Palomar Health utilizing big incentives to recruit nurses.

Palomar Health has announced the launch of its new RN (registered nurse) $100,000 Incentive Program.

The groundbreaking program, unveiled in early April, is designed to recruit worldclass talent to Palomar Health and help retain its existing world-class nursing staff.

As part of the RN Incentive program, Palomar Health will award up to $100,000 for all currently employed and newly eligible RNs over a three-year commitment period and a sign-on incentive for all newly hired RNs.

With this longterm commitment, Palomar Health is offering more opportunities to new nurses hoping to join the largest healthcare district in California, while also offering an added layer of incentive amid an ongoing nursing shortage.

In 2020, the California Healthcare Foundation (CHCF) reported that California has a shortfall of approximately 44,500 registered nurses. This resulted in burnout and many leaving the profession due to the pandemic's impact on their mental and physical health.

In addition, the American Nurses Association (ANA) reports the U.S. experienced a shortage of 1.13 million nurses in 2022.

“Nurses are such a critical and important part of the healthcare experience, and this program is going to demonstrate our commitment to them,” said Palomar Health CEO Diane Hansen. “It doesn't just say how much we value and appreciate them; it proves it by offering them $100,000 to be part of San Diego's best and California's biggest healthcare district. Part of our ‘Reimagining' brand strategy is reimagining the way we compensate and reward our team. We're committed to doing things differently, to get the best results for community.”

The new program has a limited commitment window for current internal staff that ends April 21 but outside applicants can apply between April 10 to July 17 to qualify for this compensation. New hire RNs, who start before April 10, will also be eligible for enrollment in the program.

“We appreciate all of our nurses and the incredible care they provide to our patients each day. We are hopeful this new recruitment and retention incentive will stabilize and invigorate our nursing workforce, by recruiting world-class nurses to our healthcare system,” said Mel Russell, chief nurse executive at Palomar Health.

With an 800 square-mile service area, Palomar Health is anchored by two world-renowned medical center campuses offering medical services in virtually all fields of medicine; including primary care, cardiovascular care, emergency services, trauma, cancer, orthopedics, women's health, behavioral health, rehabilitation, pediatrics, neonatal intensive care as well as robotic and bariatric surgery. ■