By replacing nursing supervisory positions with SOS techs and RN Designees, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) has been able to increase staff at the bedside by 10.5 FTEs.

SVMC created a Patient Safety and Quality department that works collaboratively with nursing to improve systems and processes.  After implementation of a ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) program, SVMC went 18 consecutive months without a VAP.  SVMC is 3rd in the state in CMS indicators.

Overall, RN satisfaction scores, from the Moorehead Employee Satisfaction survey, demonstrate above average scores in nurse satisfaction in such areas as work-life balance, growth and development, and employee involvement and commitment.

The RN vacancy rate is less than four percent, and turnover is 4.6 percent.

SVMC has consistently achieved Press Ganey patient satisfaction scores of 99 percent in the Emergency Department and 98 percent in inpatient units.  SVMC has sustained these scores for more than 5 years, an achievement recognized by the Press Ganey Summit Award in 2006 and 2007.