Reducing cost: What do hospitals gain from hiring clinical students?

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this retrospective descriptive correlational study was to 1) identify factors that played a role in hiring decisions for student nurse anesthetists following graduation; and 2) to identify the extent and nature of benefits afforded clinical sites who train student nurse anesthetists.

Methods: An on-line survey was used to collect data regarding hiring decisions including the nature of benefits. The survey examined hiring practices for clinical sites where 118 student nurse anesthetists who graduated from the Nurse Anesthetist Program at Midwestern University (2006-2013) received clinical education.  The anonymous on-line survey was sent to 45 chief Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), clinical coordinators or anesthesia department chairpersons at 25 clinical facilities who were involved in hiring.

Results: Multiple factors were identified as playing a role in hiring CRNAs who trained at the institution. Key factors included interpersonal skills; ability to fill a key position at a rural healthcare facility; and willingness to contribute to the healthcare team. Hiring CRNAs who performed clinical rotations reduced orientation time and supervision requirements.

Conclusions: Identifying factors that influence hiring practices for CRNAs following graduation is important to the graduate and the institution. Informing hospitals regarding the tangible benefits of hiring CRNAs who gain clinical experience at their institutions is vital. This effort may open the door for additional clinical sites interested in teaching future healthcare providers. Given soaring healthcare costs, follow-on studies are needed to explore hiring practices across healthcare disciplines. Specifically, examining the relationship between clinical education and institutional gains may benefit all stakeholders.