For Release:       August 23, 2004

Contact:              Mike Noble or Sona Iyengar

                           Communications & Public Affairs

                           (802) 847-2886

Fletcher Allen Health Care Reaches First Milestone in Nursing Recruitment and Retention Campaign

28 Registered Nurses Signed to Date

BURLINGTON, VT. - Fletcher Allen Health Care announced today that it has reached the first milestone in its nursing recruitment and retention campaign. Twenty-eight nurses have signed up through the program to date.

The comprehensive recruitment and retention plan - which aims to hire 100 nurses in 100 days - is designed to attract nurses to the academic health center and to retain the nurses who work there. The campaign runs from August 2 to November 9.

In the first three weeks of the campaign, Fletcher Allen received 63 contacts and conducted 37 interviews, which have resulted in 28 nurses who have increased their hours or joined Fletcher Allen.

Of the 28 nurses, five are Fletcher Allen nurses who increased their hours; 16 are new to the organization; six are former Fletcher Allen nurses who were re-hired; and one is a traveler, or temporary nurse, who converted to permanent status.

"The success we've had to date is very encouraging, " said Chief Nursing Officer Mary Botter, Ph.D., R.N. "This campaign represents a strong commitment by Fletcher Allen to address our nursing shortage and enhance our ability to deliver high-quality care."

Fletcher Allen and the Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals announced the 100 Nurses/100 Days campaign on July 30th.

The campaign includes a direct mail and advertising campaign and a variety of financial incentives for:

• Current Fletcher Allen employees who refer nurses to Fletcher Allen
• Current "per diem" nurses who increase their commitment to either part-time or full-time
• Part-time nurses who increase to full-time
• Nurses who join the organization on a part-time or full-time basis.

All sign-on bonuses are offered in two payments - half at 90 days and the remaining half after one year, with a required employment commitment of two years. 

In the area of nurse retention, there are several ongoing efforts already underway to help foster a work environment that ensures nurse retention.  In addition, following a series of discussions with the Federation of Nursing and Health Professionals, Fletcher Allen has agreed to take several actions to support retention, including reopening discussions with the union about wages for current nurses.

For detailed information on the campaign, and a complete list of financial incentives, visit www.FletcherAllen.org and click on the 100 Nurses in 100 Days symbol. To reach a nurse recruiter call: 802-847-4429 or 800-722-9922.