Session: What talented nurses want from potential employers

Editor's Note

Focusing on mentorship programs and continuous learning, Amy Bethel, MPA, BSN, RN, NE-BC, offered advice for attracting and retaining talented nurse leaders Tuesday afternoon at the 2024 OR Manager Conference.

Good leaders often share core qualities, and style matters, said Bethel, who is nurse educator with OR Manager. The best leaders are “charismatics—the influencers, the ones with emotional intelligence, the ones who listen” and support others, she said. Drawing extensively on her own perioperative career experiences, she contrasted examples of effective leaders—those with emotional intelligence and a supportive approach—with those employing less effective, fear-based leadership styles.

Essentials for attracting and retaining top talent include competitive compensation, opportunities for professional development, and an inclusive, supporting environment, Bethel said. Aspiring nurse leaders also prioritize opportunities to obtain advanced degrees and certifications, as well as involvement in professional organizations.

She underscored the significance of benefits packages to employees considering job offers. Leaders in high-stress roles like the OR increasingly expect “the full package”—including health, dental, and retirement benefits, as well as sufficient paid time off (PTO), Bethel said.

Flexible scheduling also can be a significant draw, Bethel said. For example, adapting to offer 8-, 10-, and 12-hour options for OR shifts may appeal to many. Although flexibility may be inherently limited for OR leaders, who must often be onsite, creative approaches like job-sharing could provide some measure of flexibility.

Bethel also discussed succession planning. A formalized process for can help identify potential leaders and map out their career goals. Involving HR in recruitment is critical to ensure candidates align with organizational needs, both in terms of skillsets and culture.

Self-starters who seek out their own mentors or actively pursue learning are often the most promising candidates, Bethel said. Essential characteristics to seek in potential leaders include emotional intelligence, communication skills, accountability, and humility. She concluded with a note to ensure new hires feel valued and supported, noting that practical actions like handwritten thank-you notes can leave lasting positive impressions.