Perceptions of Nurse Bridging Education Programs as a Strategy for Workforce Recruitment and Retention: An...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Workforce Development
• Nursing Education
• Long-Term Care Management

Background:

• The long-term care (LTC) and home and community care sectors are experiencing critical nursing shortages, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Nurse bridging education (NBE) programs are proposed as a strategy to improve career mobility, professional growth, and workforce stability within these essential sectors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perspectives of nurse educators, supervisors, and NBE students on the effectiveness of NBE programs in enhancing nurse recruitment and retention.
• To identify facilitators and barriers to successful nurse transitions and retention within the LTC and home care settings through NBE.

Main Methods:

• An interpretive description methodology was employed, utilizing focus groups with nurse educators and supervisors, and individual interviews with NBE students.
• Thematic analysis was conducted on the collected qualitative data to identify key themes and patterns.

Main Results:

• Twenty-five participants, including educators, supervisors, and students, shared their experiences.
• Two primary themes emerged: 'Supporting Bridging Students Through Role Transition' and 'Optimizing Learning Experiences for Working Students'.
• System-level issues such as inadequate funding, limited clinical placements, and significant wage disparities were identified as major constraints impacting recruitment and retention efforts.

Conclusions:

• Supervisors can enhance nurse retention by providing mentorship and flexible work arrangements.
• Strengthening academic-practice partnerships and advocating for government investment in clinical placements and wage parity are essential to mitigate workforce shortages.
• NBE programs play a vital role in supporting nurses transitioning into LTC and community care roles, but systemic improvements are necessary for long-term success.