Hospital administrators are striving to do all they can to retain their nursing staffs due to the current health care workforce shortage. The Nurse Retention Initiative (NRI), sponsored by MHA, is one way for hospitals to gauge retention problems through surveying nurses. Montgomery General Hospital participated in the initiative and received good news that its performance had significantly improved.

Partners in Nursing (PIN) is a two-year program to address nursing workforce issues on the Lower Eastern Shore through the development of a regional mentoring program.

The nursing shortage has been an issue looming over the heads of health care and hospital leaders for some time. As baby boomers reach retirement, the need for new nurses is stronger than ever. In 2006, Maryland hospitals reported an average vacancy rate of 13 percent and projections show that the shortage could grow to over 10,000 RNs by 2016. With staggering numbers like these, it is hard to ignore such an issue. However, with the help of MHA, Mary-land hospitals and nursing educators, this dire situation could transform into a bright future.