Facilitating Hiring Process
Navigating the hiring process can be challenging for even the most seasoned IHS professional. To help address this
challenge, we are working to shorten the turnaround time for completing the application process by pursing “Direct Hiring
Authority” for Phoenix Area Nurse Executives. A proposed pilot project awaits approval from Headquarters Office of
Personnel Management.
Recruitment, Retention, Relocation
Within the Phoenix Area, nurses are actively recruited to private sector with sign-on bonuses. In addition, the private
sector salaries are higher than IHS nurse special pay salaries. Local and national salary survey data support utilization
of appointment above the minimum rate. Through the implementation of the 3R’s program, we have decreased the vacancy and
turnover rates in those facilities that have fully implemented the 3 R’s. The 3R’s program enables us to effectively
compete for experienced nurses. The Whiteriver Service Unit was the first in the Phoenix Area to fully embrace this
strategy. The graph below depicts their success in addressing their vacancy rate through the implementation of the 3R’s
Program.
Whiteriver Service Unit Recruitment/Relocation/Retention Bonuses
Specialized Nursing Training
Nurses with specialized experience in ICU, OB, OR and ED are difficult to recruit. Frequently, nurses find it nearly
impossible to obtain training needed to move to specialty areas such as ICU, OB, OR and ED within IHS. Many seasoned nurses
desiring to move into theses areas leave IHS to obtain the specialized experience needed. Unfortunately, many of those
nurses do not return to IHS. National training opportunities are now available through IHS to “grow our own” specialty
nurses to meet the patient care demand. The Phoenix Area Nursing Programs are taking advantage of these opportunities
nationwide in addition to creating our own training opportunities to “grow our own’ specialty nurses.
Marketing Strategies
To increase awareness of professional nursing opportunities within the Phoenix Area and IHS, ads have been placed in the
Nursing State Boards’ official publications highlighting competitive salaries, benefits and loan repayment opportunities
within urban and rural settings. Additionally, periodic placements of ads in the local newspapers have generated many
inquiries about professional nursing opportunities within the Phoenix Area. Many nurses have been hired without permanent
change of station costs being incurred. Finally, the Phoenix Area Nurse Recruiter, Nurse Executives and designees are
actively marketing Phoenix Area Nursing Programs by participating in local job fairs, visiting local schools, attending
national nursing conferences and planning an open house May 6, 2004 at Phoenix Indian Medical Center to highlight nursing
opportunities for the area.
For more information contained in this article, please contact Holly Elliott, RN, MS, Assistant Nurse Executive,
Phoenix Indian Medical Center, (602) 263-1200.
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The Phoenix Area is experiencing the National Nursing shortage. In an effort to address the on-going challenges the
nursing shortage presents, the Phoenix Area Nursing programs are utilizing many strategies to address the shortage.
