EVELYN OLENICK: Ethnicity not a factor in Phoebe nursing staff

At Phoebe, we are lucky to have an incredible staff of talented, highly-qualified and hard-working nurses dedicated to offering compassionate care to our patients every day. We work closely with area colleges to ensure their nursing programs graduate nurses who are ready to join our team, and we actively recruit nurses from across our region. We have developed multiple programs to make sure our nurses, especially those new to the profession, have the support they need to succeed.

Our nurse extern program gives nursing students real-world experience in our hospitals. Our nurse preceptor program pairs young nurses with experienced mentors. Our nurse residency program offers a full year of guidance and reinforcement to help new nurses adjust to the rigors of their new career. Our Nursing Clinical Advancement Program offers even our most experienced nurses a chance to earn promotions and bonuses through continuing education that benefits them and their patients. These efforts are paying off, resulting in a more confident and fulfilled work force and better service for our patients.

The proof is in the numbers. In fiscal year 2018, we lowered our registered nurse turnover rate at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital by 32 percent over the previous year. We are laser-focused on recruiting and retaining the best nurses so our patients get the best care.

That’s why it was so upsetting to see a comment The Albany Herald recently published in its Squawkbox that made the ridiculous accusation that Phoebe is somehow trying to get rid of African-American nurses. The racial demographics of our nursing staff change very little from year to year, and there is certainly no intent to increase the percentage of white nurses either through hiring practices or termination practices. We want nurses who are well-trained, quick-thinking and eager to offer quality service to every patient in their care. Those characteristics have nothing to do with race or gender or nationality or ethnic background.

If you are a qualified nurse who is passionate about the profession and looking for a rewarding career in our area’s biggest and busiest hospital where you will improve lives and save lives every day, Phoebe is the place for you, and we would proudly welcome you to the Phoebe Family.

Evelyn Olenick, DNP, RN, is senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.