Reducing RN Vacancy Rate: A Nursing Recruitment Office Process Improvement Project.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to reduce the RN vacancy rate at an academic medical center by improving the hiring process in the Nursing Recruitment Office. BACKGROUND Inability to fill RN positions can lead to higher vacancy rates and negatively impact staff and patient satisfaction, quality outcomes, and the organization's bottom line. METHODS The Model for Improvement was used to design and implement a process improvement project to improve the hiring process from time of interview through the position being filled. RESULTS Number of days to interview and check references decreased significantly, but no change in overall time to hire and time to fill positions was noted. RN vacancy rate also decreased significantly. Nurse manager satisfaction with the hiring process increased significantly. CONCLUSION Redesigning the recruitment process supported operational efficiencies of the organization related to RN recruitment.