The Tristate's largest hospital group announced what it claims to be the nation's largest sign-on bonus — $30,000 — for nurses and technicians who commit to work at least three years in special cardiac-care units.

        The offer, announced Mondayby the Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, is expected to appear in nursing trade journals and regional newspapers starting Sunday.

        Officials say 100 to 130 existing staff will be eligible. The alliance also hopes to fill at least a dozen open jobs in its catheterization, electrophysiology and angiography labs.

        “We wanted to make a profound statement that we are the leader in cardiology in Greater Cincinnati and we intend to stay that way,” said Bob Griffith, senior vice president of human resources.

        Registered nurses in these special fields typically earn $46,000 to $52,000 a year, not counting overtime, Mr. Griffith said.

        Like many hospitals nationwide, the Health Alliance has struggled to hire nurses. Overall nurse vacancy rates run about 11 percent at the Health Alliance, a figure that does not reflect the costs of paying overtime and hiring temporary staff, Mr. Griffith said.

        This bonus deal comes after the recent launch of an open-heart surgery unit at Mercy Hospital Fairfield by rival Mercy Health Partners and about 18 months before the scheduled October 2003 opening of Christ Hospital's new heart care tower.

        The Health Alliance offer “certainly sounds large. But a lot depends on the salary level they've been offering. If this puts them $10,000 a year above their competition, that's a big deal. But if this raises them up to a competitive level, it's not such a big deal,” said Ken Levinson, president of Nurse Options USA, a job listing service for nurses.

        Eligible positions include registered nurses, clinical coordinators, staff educators and special technicians.

        The biggest bonuses will go to full-time staff, with a $10,000 payment up front and $20,000 to be paid at the end of three years of service. Employees who refer people who get hired to the cardiac staff also can collect $7,500.

        For information, call the Health Alliance at 513-585-6633 or e-mail to heartbonus@healthall.com.

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