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Using a manpower database to analyse the nurse limbo stock.
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|August 1, 1992
Summary
A nursing manpower database identified qualified nurses not currently employed by the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) in Northern Ireland. This data aids workforce planning by detailing the "limbo stock" for potential recruitment.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Management
- Nursing Workforce Planning
- Public Health Administration
Background:
- Effective healthcare delivery relies on strategic nursing workforce planning.
- Identifying underutilized qualified nursing personnel is crucial for optimizing healthcare resources.
- The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) in Northern Ireland sought to analyze its nursing workforce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the 'limbo stock' of qualified nurses not currently employed by the DHSS.
- To provide essential data for informed decisions regarding filling nursing vacancies.
- To assess the feasibility of recruiting from the existing pool of qualified but non-practicing nurses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a comprehensive manpower database of nurses employed by the DHSS.
- Analyzed the demographic and professional characteristics of the identified 'limbo stock' (age, sex, service length, grade, location).
- Correlated database information with current vacancy data to assess recruitment potential.
Main Results:
- Successfully identified a cohort of qualified nurses not actively employed by the DHSS.
- Characterized this 'limbo stock' by key demographic and professional attributes.
- Provided quantitative insights into the potential pool for filling nursing vacancies.
Conclusions:
- The developed methodology offers a valuable tool for nurse manpower planners.
- Recruitment from the 'limbo stock' presents a viable alternative or supplement to training new nurses.
- Strategic utilization of this underemployed nursing resource can enhance workforce stability and service provision.