Astron Solutions and Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) Win National Award for Career Path Program

Washington, D.C., August 24, 2004 -- Astron Solutions and Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) were presented with Best Practice" awards for NGHSs successful clinical career path program at last months 2004 American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administrations (ASHHRA) annual conference in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) August 27, 2004 -- Astron Solutions and Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) were presented with Best Practice" awards for NGHSs successful clinical career path program at last months 2004 American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administrations (ASHHRA) annual conference in Washington, D.C.

The Best Practice" award recognizes ASHHRA member organizations that have initiated creative approaches to human resources programs. The best practice must have been developed and initiated within three years from the date of application and have at least twelve (12) months of documented results. For 2004, only six best practice" designations were awarded out of 120 entries.

NGHS received the award for their clinical career path program that was developed with the technology and expertise provided by Astron Solutions. In 2001, NGHS launched the career path program to address the issue of recruitment and retention of employees in critical shortage areas, such as nursing and radiology. In the program, individual competencies are matched with job specific complexities to provide a true career path including a personalized blueprint" and substantial rewards for advancement. In addition, the clinical career path program was developed to be self-funded" by reduction in turnover, time-to-fill vacant positions and a decrease in reliance on external nursing agencies.

The results of the NGHS career path program have been impressive. In 2003, NGHS maintained the lowest reported turnover rate for nursing in the Metro-Atlanta region -- 9.4% compared to more than 15% nationally. Of the more than 700 eligible nurses on staff at NGHS, more than 85% are pursing advancement in the career path program. In addition, NGHS nursing vacancy rate is projected to be 8.7% for 2004 that is almost half the national average rate of 15.5%.

The career path program has proven to be an effective retention and recruitment tool, providing NGHS with a competitive edge both regionally and nationally," says Tina Walden, recruitment manager for NGHS who helped develop and implement the program. The fact that our turnover percentages and vacancy rates have remained low and the resulting cost savings have been notable shows the considerable impact the program has made to our system."

We have found that most healthcare organizations struggle with ineffective 'clinical ladder programs for their nurses that tend to reward only the acquisition of additional skill and knowledge," says Michael F. Maciekowich, National Director, Astron Solutions, who worked with NGHS on the project. These programs become entitlements and there is little return on investment to the organization. The career path program provides for a return on investment in rewarding staff that not only increase their skills and competency but are able to take on more complex responsibilities at the same time."

Astron Solutions is a consulting firm dedicated to the delivery of HR consulting services and supportive technology. For more information about career path program development please call Astron Solutions at 800-520-3889.

CONTACT:

Sharon Terry

Marketing Specialist

Astron Solutions

t : 646.792.2509

e : smterry@astronsolutions.com