2005 Annual Report

Resource Center

Caring People and Responsive Programs page 4

In the face of a nationwide nursing shortage, recruiting and retaining
top-quality caregivers is key.

Student nurses interning at Backus Hospital in the summer of 2005. The internship program is one of several reasons Backus has had success in hiring new graduate nurses.

Last summer, Backus Hospital hired a record-breaking number of new graduate nurses — 39 in all. The hiring is the result of a multifaceted nurse recruitment effort.

Our recruiting strategies are proactive and creative. Partnerships with local colleges for clinical rotations, paid internships for nurses, competitive wages and benefits, a high level of technology offered in a community hospital setting, childcare — these are all ways to attract quality employees to Backus, which is Norwich's largest employer and a significant contributor to the local economy.

This past year, Backus initiated Nurse Camp Days, during which high school students with an interest in healthcare spend the day at the Hospital learning about the nursing careers available to them, and how rewarding the nursing profession can be.

Backus Trauma Registrar Cheryl Bennett examines a car seat during the first ever car seat clinic at the Norwich Fire Department.

When the community needs us, Backus Hospital is there.

When Backus recognized the need for a car seat safety clinic in the Norwich area, it partnered with Norwich Safe Communities Coalition, Safe Kids New London County and the Norwich Fire Department to offer one.

After being approached by a grieving mother, Backus Hospital partnered with her to form a monthly Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group, as well as creating and hosting a “Remembrance Day” service for parents and family members who have experienced this devastating loss.

Our Trauma Center's Be Aware program, designed to teach teens the dangers of driving under the influence, is now a requirement for Norwich Free Academy students who desire parking privileges. The Trauma Department also held its first-ever Backus Safety Camp, which featured bike helmet giveaways, fire safety, pedestrian safety and plenty of entertainment.

We have accomplished a great deal this year, and teamwork has made it possible.

Thomas P. Pipicelli, President and Chief Executive Officer, with Carlos “Buck” Cook, III, Chairman of the Board. Mr. Cook is retiring from the Board, following nine years of dedicated leadership.

Our progress is due entirely to our employees' hard work and dedication; the Medical Staff's desire to put the needs of patients first; the Backus Auxiliary, which pledged $600,000 to our capital campaign; and our volunteer Board of Trustees, whose direction in the past year will no doubt pay major dividends in the future.

Special recognition and thanks this year are owed to Carlos “Buck” Cook, III, a Backus Board member for the past nine years and Chairman for the last five. He is retiring from the Board, and his leadership, good nature and foresight will be missed. Thank you, Buck, for your years of service as our Chairman, and for being such a good friend to so many of us. You will always be a valued member of the Backus Hospital family.