5 Ways to Recruit the Best Nurses for Your Healthcare Organization

By Lisa Mulcahy via Multibriefs

Many hospitals and healthcare organizations are trying to cope with an ongoing nursing shortage — both through hiring and retention issues. As an administrator, you always want to make sure the very best nurses are working to produce the very best patient outcomes. So how can you get and keep the best professionals to perform nursing duties?

Use the following research-driven tips to identify the nurses who will benefit your organization long-term.

Seek extroverts.

A study from the University of Sydney found that emergency room nurses who are "people persons" — meaning that they have outgoing, agreeable and open personalities — tend to thrive in a fast-paced, stress-driven hospital environment, rather than burning out.

Choosing a friendly, positive nursing candidate can have a powerfully beneficial effect on patient satisfaction as well.

Discuss shift expectations.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that nurses who work shifts of 12 hours or more are more likely to experience burnout and issues with their job satisfaction.

Still, many nurses choose long shifts because a three-day week allows them a better work-life balance. Have an honest discussion with new nursing hires regarding their specific time management preferences; be flexible about scheduling to their needs whenever possible.

Ask about early career inspiration.

A very enlightening interview question is to ask your nursing candidates why they wanted to become a nurse in the first place.

A study from the University of Akron found that nurses who were drawn to their profession solely to "do good" were more likely to burn out, as opposed to also enjoying their work from a practical perspective or because of the lifestyle it provides them. You of course want compassionate caregivers to join you — but make sure those caregivers you choose are realistic about the work they undertake as well.

Look for an interest in research.

A study from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses found that hospitals do better when they allow nurses to put current evidence into proactive practice with patients, rather than just providing tradition-based care. Nurses who keep up with studies and seek to improve their skills on an ongoing basis will always be an excellent addition to any hospital environment and can help their peers do innovative work as well.

Guarantee support.

A Henry Ford Health System study found that more than half of transplant nurses are emotionally exhausted from their work, and feel a low sense of accomplishment due to the fact that many organ transplants don't work out in their patients' favor.

Ensure nurses you seek to hire in this specialty, as well as all of your nursing candidates, that you'll offer them continuous support services, from coaching for tough conversations to debriefing and counseling, to help them feel they are making a true difference.

Keep up a constant dialogue and address your nurses' concerns immediately. That's the best way to make their jobs feel as rewarding as possible and earn you their gratitude and respect at all times.

Lisa Mulcahy is an internationally established health writer whose credits include the Los Angeles Times, Redbook, Glamour, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Health, Good Housekeeping, Parade, Woman's Day, Family Circle and Seventeen. She is the author of eight best-selling books, including "The Essentials of Theater," an Amazon No. 1 new release.