Turnover and Retention of Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Nurses in the United States: A 2022-2023 Interprofessional...

Nursing turnover is a significant vulnerability in healthcare systems. Although adult critical care nurses are among the highest group of nurses leaving the workforce, we do not have information about pediatric cardiac critical care (PCCC) nurse turnover. We have, therefore, explored PCCC nursing turnover in focus groups recruited from interprofessional members of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society (PCICS).

Qualitative descriptive inquiry using focus groups and interviews.

Interprofessional focus group discussions in 2022-2023.

Thirty-four participants (representing < 4% of the PCICS membership) were involved in focus groups and interviews.

The transcripts of focus groups/interviews were used to explore perspectives regarding PCCC nurse turnover, its potential impact, and the potential solutions to enhance retention. Content analysis coding was used to identify themes and subcategories to support data interpretation.

Data were organized into three main themes: Nursing Turnover, Nursing Retention, and Solutions. For the themes of nursing turnover and nursing retention, there were two subcategories, meaning and impact. All participants reported that increased levels of nursing turnover impacted ICU morale. Higher turnover was also believed to increase patient vulnerability at the bedside, requiring higher levels of surveillance and support from the interprofessional team. Potential solutions to enhance retention included competitive salary and benefits packages, professional development for the multigenerational workforce, and a commitment to a healthy work environment.

In 2022-2023, 34 PCICS members from the United States gave their perspectives and understanding of turnover in PCCC nurses. Nursing turnover and its impact on the team highlights the urgent need to collaboratively identify and implement solutions to enhance nurse retention in this area of highly specialized practice. The PCICS and other such organizations may have a role in addressing nursing shortages and continued turnover.