Effective retention strategies for midcareer critical care nurses: a Q-method study

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Human Resources

Background:

• Midcareer nurses are overlooked in the current nursing shortage, particularly in specialized intensive care units (ICUs).
• Effective retention strategies are crucial to mitigate the impact of this shortage on critical care services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify perceived effective retention strategies for midcareer critical care nurses.
• To understand the diverse viewpoints and preferences of nurses regarding retention efforts.

Main Methods:

• Q methodology, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, was employed.
• Forty midcareer ICU nurses (aged 25-44) in Canada participated in a Q sort.
• Data analysis involved centroid factor extraction and varimax rotation using PQMethod.

Main Results:

• Four distinct nurse viewpoints emerged: Healthy Workplace and Respect Seeker, Flexibility and Reward Seeker, Professional Development and Teamwork Seeker, and Lifestyle Seeker.
• Each viewpoint appeared to be characterized by distinct demographics, with weak correlations between factors.

Conclusions:

• Nurse perceptions of retention strategies may be associated with age and years of experience.
• Involving frontline nurses in strategy development is essential for effective retention.
• Organizations should consider a diverse array of retention strategies tailored to different nurse preferences, rather than a single solution.