Travel nurse experience informs CNO’s management approach
Home sickness, finding housing and adjusting to each hospital's unique protocols—these stressors and difficulties of being a travel nurse (TRN) are familiar to Vandalyn “Van” McGrue, once a TRN herself. Today, the chief nursing officer at Princeton Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, Ala., focuses on communication and relationship building to create a collegial and welcoming environment for TRNs. She requires her nursing directors to meet regularly with TRNs, and she checks in on them herself. Effective onboarding of TRNs is also critical. A study in the Journal of Nursing Administration contains guidance for tailoring this process to the needs of TRNs. (HealthLeaders Media article, 8/23/21)