Critical Care Nursing Program

A shortage of nurses in adult critical care creates many opportunities for nurses seeking a challenging and rewarding specialty field. A five-year, $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is helping transform Strong Memorial Hospital's critical care units, making them ideal places for nurses to work.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to nurses interested in the exciting field of critical care.

How Does The Program Work?

Strong Memorial Hospital has launched a comprehensive program to:

• Reduce critical care vacancy rates by building a work environment that supports individualized learning, job satisfaction, and career advancement
• Develop new approaches for the ways in which critical care nurses communicate and collaborate with others
• Enhance career pathways and professional development opportunities
• Support an environment that values diversity, high standards of care, safe delivery of services, and effective teamwork
• Significantly increase the percentage of minority nurses working in critical care

About 250 adult critical care nursing staff members and at least 20 mentor/coaches will participate in these efforts to transform the environment of Strong Memorial Hospital's four critical care units:

• Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Kessler Family Burn/Trauma ICU
• Medical ICU
• Surgical ICU

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How Are Nurses Supported?

Nurses will receive plenty of support as they become oriented to critical care!

For nurses new to critical care:

• Work begins with a six-month internship under one-to-one supervision by an experienced nurse mentor.
• A specific educational plan is developed based on the nurse's background and learning needs.
• Self-paced online learning opportunities also are available. A learning lab is open.
• During the following six months, training and education advances to a higher level.
• Additional learning and team-building opportunities are available.
• The mentor continues to provide support.
• An internal support group meets regularly so nurses can discuss their adjustment to critical care.

For nurses already in critical care:

• Expert faculty members from the hospital's Nursing Practice Department and the University of Rochester School of Nursing mentor the nurses and help them develop more complex skills.
• The nurses concentrate on advanced learning, team-building skills, and applying best-practice knowledge in their patient care.

Other benefits include:

• Group educational sessions for nurses from entry level to senior staff and leadership are held regularly.
• Mentors help all nurses identify career advancement goals and strategies.

Nurses also are eligible for Strong Memorial Hospital's excellent health and tuition benefits. Registered nurses are eligible for tuition benefits as soon as they are employed by the hospital. Learn more about tuition benefits.

Contact Strong Memorial Hospital Nurse Recruitment:

• Phone: (585) 275-3478
• Fax: (585) 756-5882
• E-mail: smh_nurserecruit@urmc.rochester.edu

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