Components Influencing Nurses' Employability in Organisational Transitions: A Mixed-Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Workforce Development
• Healthcare Human Resources Management
• Career Sustainability in Healthcare

Background:

• Global nursing shortages and high turnover necessitate sustainable careers.
• Employability skills are vital for nurses navigating interorganizational transitions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key components of nurse employability.
• To evaluate the importance of these components in Japanese healthcare recruitment.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods approach: qualitative interviews followed by quantitative conjoint analysis.
• Involved nurse recruiters from hospitals, long-term care, and homecare settings.

Main Results:

• Identified seven employability components: retention potential, practical skills, optimism, learning willingness, relationship building, organizational commitment, and intrinsic motivation.
• Hospitals and homecare agencies prioritized practical skills, relationships, and motivation; long-term care facilities emphasized relationships.
• Clarity on job change reasons was critical across all settings.

Conclusions:

• Nurse employability is a blend of individual skills and alignment with organizational values, supporting career longevity.
• Tailoring employability criteria to specific healthcare settings is essential for successful recruitment and retention.