Rural CNOs can collaborate to address challenges

To combat financial challenges affecting many rural hospitals, Keri Brookshire-Heavin, MHA, RN, senior vice president, CNO and COO at Phelps Health in Rolla, Mo., encourages CNOs to collaborate to find solutions. She follows legislation and forges relationships with policymakers, lawmakers and local organizations that can provide grants. Because of difficulties hiring experienced and specialized nurses, Phelps Health has partnered with local colleges, nursing schools and nursing programs to grow the local population interested in nursing. Phelps Health offers a paid internship program, which has increased the number of graduate nurses entering the workforce. Brookshire-Heavin says students in the program are performing better on their state boards and are more likely to stay beyond one year. (HealthLeaders Media article, 12/16/24)