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[Permanence of nurses in their profession]
E L Angerami1, D L Gomes, I J Mendes
1Departamento de Enfermagem Geral, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo.
Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem
|June 4, 2002
Summary
Most nurses remain in the profession despite challenges like low pay and lack of recognition. Key reasons for leaving nursing include personal issues and job dissatisfaction, though many express love for their work.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Studies
- Healthcare Workforce Research
- Sociology of Professions
Background:
- Global nursing shortages are often attributed to nurses leaving the profession.
- Limited research quantifies nurse attrition and explores reasons for departure.
- Understanding nurse retention is critical for healthcare system stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nurse job permanence and identify motives for withdrawing from the nursing profession.
- To analyze factors influencing nurses' decisions to stay in or leave their careers.
- To provide data on nurse retention for future comparative studies.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1,112 nurses who graduated from the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing (1957-1990) was surveyed.
- Contact was established with 1,017 nurses via mail, telephone, or interview.
- A questionnaire was administered, with 808 (72.66%) responding.
Main Results:
- A small percentage of surveyed nurses (12.62%) had withdrawn from the profession.
- Nurses cited strong attachment to the profession as a reason for staying, despite issues with recognition and pay.
- Primary reasons for leaving included family/personal problems, scheduling changes, and general frustration.
Conclusions:
- The study found a relatively low rate of nurses withdrawing from the profession.
- Nurses express a deep commitment to their profession, even when facing adverse working conditions.
- Returning nurses advocate for improved working conditions, highlighting a desire for professional betterment.