TITLE:
How can we increase attraction and retention of nurses? A research with young nurses
AUTHORS:
Diane-Gabrielle Tremblay, Marie-Julie Lanoix
KEYWORDS:
Attraction, Retention, Nurses, Nursing, Wok-Life Balance
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Nursing,
Vol.13 No.11,
November
16,
2023
ABSTRACT: The persistent challenges
in attracting and retaining a diverse healthcare workforce, with a specific
focus on nurses, have become increasingly pronounced in recent years. These
hurdles have been exacerbated by a growing difficulty in retaining young
nurses, thereby exacerbating labor shortages driven by demographic shifts and
the retirement of experienced nursing professionals. While most research
efforts have concentrated on the broader issue of nurse retention, our study is
centered on a specific demographic—young nurses. Our research endeavors to shed light on the unique
challenges faced by young nurses through a qualitative survey involving nursing
students who are simultaneously employed. We seek to discern the multifaceted
obstacles they encounter in both their academic environment and the healthcare
organizations where they work. While certain challenges are linked to course
organization, examinations, and the time required for studying, our respondents
overwhelmingly emphasize the pivotal role of the work environment in
facilitating the harmonization of work, family, and educational commitments.
This reconciliation is achieved through measures such as flexible working
arrangements and the efficient organization of nursing duties. The primary
objective of our research is to provide insights into how these diverse
challenges can be effectively addressed and how a range of measures can
significantly contribute to the attraction and retention of nursing students,
as well as the long-term retention of nurses within the healthcare system. Our
recommendations are intended to be of practical use to a wide array of
stakeholders, including academic institutions, particularly colleges and
universities offering nursing programs, as well as hospitals, clinics, and
other healthcare institutions that hire nurses. By collaboratively addressing
these challenges and implementing the recommended measures, we aim to fortify
the healthcare workforce and ensure the continued provision of quality care to
patients.