Nurse emeritus program uses retired nurses’ expertise

Jefferson Health started the Nurse Emeritus program, which enables experienced, retired nurses to support and mentor nurses, nursing teams and new leaders across the organization. The Philadelphia-based hospital system offers three roles for emeritus nurses: bedside clinical nurses who mentor nurses; specialty nurses who conduct patient education projects, inform evidence-based practice, and support bedside learning; and nurse leaders who work on special projects to drive workforce and practice strategy and to mentor new leaders. The program, started in November 2022, is part of a nursing workforce “optimization strategy,” according to AONL member Kate FitzPatrick, DNP, RN, executive vice president and Connelly Foundation chief nurse executive officer at Jefferson Health. (HealthLeaders Media article, 4/20/23)