A Single-Site Approach: Identifying the Micro-Level Influences on Nurse Retention

Persistently high turnover rates reflect nurses' discontent. Although personal reasons, career advancement, and relocation are cited as the top reasons for departures, macro-level data overlook the organizational and unit-level factors that erode nurses' desire to stay.

Survey methods were used for data collection. The analysis included statistical and qualitative methods.

Salary, benefits, and work schedules were important in influencing nurses' decisions to stay, but their importance varied by career stage. Ergonomic aspects of nurses' daily work were key themes.

Organizational and unit elements play enduring roles in job satisfaction. Critically examining nurses' work environment from meso- and micro-level ergonomic perspectives can enhance understanding of nurse retention and provide evidence to fine-tune retention strategies.