(Immediate) October 8, 2004

Sona Iyengar, Fletcher Allen Public Relations

802/847-9334

Fletcher Allen Health Care Reaches 75 Mark

in Nursing Recruitment and Retention Campaign

Burlington, VT. - Fletcher Allen Health Care announced today that it has reached the 75 mark in its effort to hire 100 nurses in 100 days.

The comprehensive recruitment and retention plan 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.

Of the 75 nurses, 40 are new to the organization; 27 are Fletcher Allen nurses who increased their hours; seven are former Fletcher Allen nurses who were re-hired; and one is a traveler who converted to permanent status.

In the same time period, Fletcher Allen has seen 4 part-time or full-time nurses leave the organization. This reflects expected turnover and attrition.

"The continued success of this campaign is due to the hard work and dedication of all of our nurses and employees," said Chief Nursing Officer Mary Botter, Ph.D., R.N. "It represents a strong commitment 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.