Nursing recruitment and retention in New York state: a qualitative workforce needs assessment

This study's objective is to determine major barriers to nursing recruitment and retention as a basis for the New York State Area Health Education Center (NYS AHEC) System's strategic plan for its nursing recruitment and retention initiative, using qualitative assessment with maximum variation purposeful sample. Nine focus groups were conducted in eight rural and urban regions. Three analysts evaluated data following a theory-driven immersion-crystallization approach. Fifty-six practicing nurses, nurse managers, nursing educators, and health care administrators participated. Participants identified workforce recruitment challenges, including labor market dynamics, professional image in the media, and workforce education and training. Workforce retention challenges were also identified, including working conditions, workforce compensation, and barriers to continuing education. Findings confirm documented national and state nursing workforce issues, identify rural-urban distinctions not evidenced in previous research, and provide priorities for the NYS AHEC System pertaining to access to formal and continuing education, faculty shortages, work-place best practices, and recruitment.