Knowing Generation Y: a new generation of nurses in practice

Area of Science:

• Nursing Workforce Dynamics
• Generational Studies in Healthcare
• Human Resources in Nursing

Background:

• Generation Y, born 1980-2000, comprises 81 million individuals in the USA.
• This demographic is technologically adept, vocal, and resistant to traditional hierarchies.
• Understanding Generation Y traits is crucial for nurse managers and teams.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore a theoretical model predicting nurse retention and turnover.
• To analyze Generation Y behaviors and motivators within the nursing context.
• To investigate factors contributing to rapid turnover in the nursing workforce.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical modeling approach.
• Analysis of Generation Y behaviors and motivators.
• Exploration of factors influencing nurse retention and turnover.

Main Results:

• Generation Y nurses may exhibit higher turnover rates.
• Motivators include seeking recognition and distrusting traditional institutions.
• Job-hopping between agencies is a potential behavior.

Conclusions:

• Generation Y's unique characteristics present challenges to nursing workforce stability.
• Further research is needed to confirm if these behaviors are exclusive to Generation Y.
• Understanding these generational differences can inform retention strategies.