Retaining and recruiting mature experienced nurses: a multicomponent organizational strategy

Area of Science:

• Nursing Workforce Dynamics
• Gerontology in Healthcare
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• The aging of the nursing workforce is a significant factor contributing to the escalating nursing shortage.
• Impending retirements of experienced nurses threaten to worsen existing staffing crises.
• Current retention strategies often fail to address the complex, multifactorial reasons behind nurses' retirement decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore strategies for retaining older, experienced nurses within the healthcare workforce.
• To identify key elements of a work environment that can delay or mitigate nurse retirement.
• To present a case study of a medical center's approach to mature nurse retention.

Main Methods:

• A multifaceted organizational strategy was developed and implemented.
• The approach focused on creating a conducive work environment for experienced nurses.
• Specific interventions were designed to address the diverse reasons for nurse retirement.

Main Results:

• The implementation of a comprehensive, multifactorial strategy was initiated.
• Focus was placed on environmental and organizational factors influencing retention.
• The study outlines specific tactics to support and retain mature nursing professionals.

Conclusions:

• Retaining experienced nurses requires a tailored, multifactorial approach.
• Creating a supportive work environment is crucial for delaying retirement.
• Proactive strategies are essential to mitigate the impact of an aging nursing workforce on shortages.