Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center (TMC) is among 20 organizations nationwide selected to receive a 2025 Nursing Innovation Fund award, a program supported by AARP and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN Critical-Care). More than $355,000 in funding has been awarded across projects designed to strengthen the nursing workforce through innovative and replicable solutions that create healthy work environments and improve recruitment and retention.
Addressing the Nursing Workforce Crisis
Strengthening the nursing workforce and sustaining healthy work environments are crucial to addressing a shortage that has already resulted in the loss of 100,000 registered nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a 2023 report by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Another 600,000 nurses have reported an intention to leave the workforce by 2027, raising significant concerns for the nation’s healthcare system.
Creating healthy work environments is crucial for attracting and retaining a skilled nursing workforce. Nurses cannot optimally contribute to care delivery across the continuum without them. Healthy work environments reduce stress, enhance overall job satisfaction, and foster a sense of belonging among patients, families, and healthcare team members.
A Communication-Focused Project
Memorial Hermann-TMC’s project, developed in collaboration with the Memorial Hermann Foundation and the Memorial Hermann Institute for Nursing Excellence, will pilot staff-requested, evidence-based tools to enhance two-way communication and access to information among frontline nurses, managers, and leadership.
The initiative will launch across three nursing units and center on four key components:
- A monthly templated newsletter
- A quarterly video series led by the Chief Nursing Officer
- Enhanced annual training
- A dedicated nursing channel on the internal MHOne platform
“Effective communication between bedside staff and our nursing leadership at all levels is vital to building a high-reliability environment,” said project lead Rose Richmond, MSN, MBA, RN, CCRN-K, CLSSGB. “This gift allows us to involve our bedside staff, who are critical players of effective communication, and apply evidence-based approaches that will empower others and lead to new platforms to improve patient safety and staff satisfaction that can be adapted to other units.”
National Support for Healthy Work Environments
Nursing leaders emphasize that healthy work environments are not just beneficial for staff—they also improve patient outcomes and family experiences.
“Nurses play a critical role in protecting the health of our nation, but they need healthy work environments to deliver care effectively,” said Alan Weil, senior vice president of public policy and director of AARP Public Policy Institute. “AARP is proud to provide ongoing support to ensure a strong nursing workforce across all care settings where nurses practice.”
“Nurses represent the largest segment of the health care workforce, which positions them as essential catalysts for addressing health care challenges while driving innovation and transformation in the field,” said Vicki Good, DNP, RN, CENP, CPPS, AACN chief clinical officer. “Creating supportive, healthy work environments isn’t just beneficial for nurses; it creates a ripple effect that can improve patient outcomes and strengthen family experiences.”
A National Effort
In addition to Memorial Hermann-TMC, funded projects are launching in Arkansas, California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
AARP administers the Nursing Innovation Fund. To learn more about the 2025 grantees and projects, visit The Nursing Innovations Fund.
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