Issues influencing psychiatric nurse retention during the first year of employment: a case analysis

To explore the work experiences of psychiatric-registered nurses (RNs) that influence retention within the first year of employment.

One corporation with four psychiatric inpatient facilities experienced an average RN turnover rate of 54% annually, with approximately 75% of new hires leaving within 6 months of employment.

This case analysis used a grounded theory approach involving structured telephone interviews with 14 former and currently employed nurses.

The nursing role in this organization was limited and task oriented, with issues involving education and training, team dynamics and organizational support converging to influence nurses' decisions to terminate employment within the first year.

Retention of psychiatric nurses requires the implementation of a variety of strategies to clarify the role.

Nurse administrators need to review organizational policies and procedures to determine if current practices support the retention of psychiatric nurses.