AdventHealth’s Clinical Ladder Program Slashes Nurse Burnout

AdventHealth has introduced an innovative clinical ladder program aimed at reducing nurse burnout and addressing staffing shortages in the healthcare sector. Launched in August 2023 at AdventHealth Castle Rock in Denver, the initiative is designed to enhance career advancement opportunities for nurses while simultaneously improving patient care.

The program offers bedside nurses a chance to engage in various professional activities beyond their daily tasks. According to Ellery Reed, Chief Nursing Officer at AdventHealth Castle Rock, “When you do the same thing, day in and day out, you can get burned out as well.” The program encourages participation in committees, leadership of improvement projects, and ongoing education, allowing nurses to earn points that elevate them within the clinical ladder.

Nurses who participate can earn additional compensation as they progress through the program. Reed noted that nurses receive points for their contributions, stating, “For all these points that they obtain, they go into a different level of the clinical ladder, which has a different additional payment assigned to it.” Additionally, AdventHealth provides reimbursement for certification tests, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder professional development.

The incentive to increase earnings has proven attractive. Currently, 70% of the nursing staff at AdventHealth Castle Rock are engaged in the clinical ladder program. Reed reported a significant impact on nurse retention, highlighting that in some units, turnover has decreased by 75% since the program’s implementation.

“Nursing is a difficult job, both emotionally and physically,” said Nichole Searle, an acute care RN and charge nurse. She emphasized the need for engagement and learning, stating, “I just needed something new and something different to be more engaged with and learn more.”

The program has not only uplifted nurse morale but has also positively influenced patient care. Sarah Sachs, a nurse leader at AdventHealth Castle Rock, observed that the efforts nurses make to advance their skills significantly enhance the quality of care they provide. “What you’re doing behind the scenes to further yourself as a nurse makes a huge difference in your patient care,” Sachs explained.

As the clinical ladder program continues to demonstrate success, AdventHealth is preparing to extend similar initiatives to other healthcare professionals within its system. The proactive approach taken by AdventHealth is a response to ongoing challenges in the healthcare industry, particularly those exacerbated during the pandemic.

By fostering professional growth and addressing the root causes of burnout, AdventHealth is setting a precedent for healthcare organizations aiming to improve both employee satisfaction and patient outcomes.