Career development programs at Landspítali University Hospital.

Restructuring nursing services following a hospital merger has an impact on retention. A career development program for nurses can be an effective retention strategy. Data were gathered from three focus groups of practicing nurses and an e-mail survey of students in the graduating nursing class. Based on their responses, a new career development structure was proposed. The structure involves three levels of development that provide an opportunity for registered nurses to grow in and expand their careers. The General Internship Program is geared toward new graduates and establishing a career. The Specialty Internship Program provides knowledge and skills in specialized nursing, and the Service Focused Cross Training Program allows nurses to expand their skills and focus their practice on one patients population.