The workforce crisis facing today’s health care industry shows no signs of diminishing.

Despite the efforts of numerous organizations working to recruit and retain front-line caregivers, the causes of the worker shortage remain multifaceted, with no quick fixes.

Throughout Missouri, hospitals have taken an active role to remedy this situation. From scholarships to flexible hours to employee-friendly benefits packages, Missouri hospitals are implementing innovative programs to attract more people to use their talents and skills in the health care industry.

Preceptor Academy

Hospital staff vacancy and turnover are at record levels. Your organization doesn’t have to be a statistic. Trained preceptors can make a difference. Preceptors are vital to the success of our health care organizations and workforce retention. The Missouri Preceptor Academy is a program designed for registered nurses and health care professionals to gain the training necessary to guide new employees, recent graduates, and students through the onboarding and competence validation process. Preceptor programs have been shown to reduce turnover and the high costs associated with hiring and retaining staff. The Missouri Preceptor Academy is offered at multiple venues throughout the state.

Clinical Faculty Academy

The Clinical Faculty Academy is a communitywide training program for registered nurses serving as adjunct clinical faculty at nursing schools in Missouri. Our mission is to develop qualified staff nurses for the role of clinical nurse educators in order to increase the faculty workforce and expand and sustain enrollments in schools of nursing.

What Will I Gain?

As a clinical educator, you can help train the next generation of nurses. Through the Clinical Faculty Academy, you will gain the following:

• the core competencies and learner concepts necessary to serve as an adjunct clinical nurse faculty for local nursing schools
• skills necessary to guide and evaluate students and prepare written assignments in order to serve as an adjunct clinical nurse faculty for local nursing schools

Upcoming Clinical Faculty Academy 2021 dates will be announced soon. For more information, contact Jean Klindt at 573-893-3700, ext. 1337, or jklindt@mhanet.com.

Mentoring Toolkit

The Mentoring Toolkit is a special training program that includes resources supporting the roles of mentor program coordinators, mentors and mentees. The Mentoring Toolkit is designed for use by hospital nurses and allied health professionals, and it can be used in new or established mentoring programs. This practical, how-to mentoring guide features best practices, questions to jump-start discussions, resources, checklists and activities.

This is a complimentary resource available to MHA-member hospitals. For access, contact Jean Klindt at jklindt@mhanet.com.

The Power of Mentoring

Mentors who provide encouragement and support can help others navigate the challenges of working in a hospital setting. A mentor is a good listener who can offer advice and friendship in a trusted relationship.

Mentoring offers the opportunity for:

• professional enrichment and personal satisfaction
• socialization
• career growth, including certification
• increased knowledge and understanding of shared governance
• new challenges and opportunities
• improved hospital culture, productivity, and efficiency
• positive impacts on patient care and hospital performance