In the face of a nationwide nurse shortage, Vanderbilt Medical Center has the highest nurse retention rate of any of its competitors, according to John Howser, deputy director of news and public affairs.

In an article published by redOrbit last week, it was reported that the nation's nursing shortage is expected to steadily grow in the coming years.

"Generally speaking when the nursing shortage is being discussed, this is more of a looming national crisis," Howser said. "The worry is more about what's on the horizon as the baby boomers begin to get old and need health care in greater numbers. ... The nation's nursing workforce is aging, and many senior nurses will be retiring at the same time their services will be in the greatest demand by society."

In order to maintain nurse retention rates, the Vanderbilt Medical Center has established a variety of nursing support programs and competitive salaries and benefits.

"Our nursing workforce is given a voice within the institution and are treated as the highly valuable professionals they are," Howser said.

According to the redOrbit article, one in five new nurses quit their job during the first year.

"I think the transition would be difficult," said sophomore Sarah Quirk, an ENGAGE Scholar who will attend the Vanderbilt School of Nursing. "No matter how book smart you are, actually working in a hospital setting is different."

The Vanderbilt Medical Center has developed a Nurse Residency Program that supports the new nurse's transition from student to professional.

"It takes a minimum of 18 months to 24 months for the new graduate to transition into the professional nurse role and feel confident and competent," said Director of Nursing Education and Development Debianne Peterman. "We have designed the NRP with that in mind offering a robust orientation and facilitated educational and support sessions that the nurse resident attends every six weeks during that first year."

Among other programs, the Vanderbilt Medical Center provides roughly 300 continuing education programs each year for practicing nurses and offers a Nurse Wellness program that helps nurses improve their health.

"(Nurses) will be able to ǃÚreplenish their cup' to be able to better care providers for our patients," Peterman said.