Employment transitions for older nurses: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Healthcare Workforce Studies
• Sociology of Work

Background:

• The aging nursing workforce in the United Kingdom presents challenges to the National Health Services.
• Current strategies aim to retain older nurses, prevent early retirement, and re-engage retired nurses.
• Older nurses' employment decisions are influenced by various factors and perceived job opportunities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore factors influencing employment decisions among UK nurses over 50.
• To investigate the relationship between retirement and the labor market through the experiences of older nurses and stakeholders.
• To inform policy and practice regarding the aging nursing workforce.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured interviews conducted over 12 months.
• Involved 84 nurses over 50 and 18 key stakeholders (employers, advisors, policymakers) in the UK.
• Included face-to-face and telephone interviews.

Main Results:

• Key influences identified include lack of flexible hours, work stress, pension expectations, and pace of change.
• Factors pushing nurses away from work ('push' factors) and pulling them towards nursing or pensions ('pull' factors) were identified.
• Both older nurses and stakeholders highlighted these employment decision influences.

Conclusions:

• There is a need for greater implementation of flexible and part-time working hours for older nurses.
• Improved pay, flexible pension provisions, and professional development opportunities are crucial for recruitment and retention.
• Addressing these factors can support the continued contribution of experienced nurses to the workforce.