Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: A Qualitative Study of Nurses' Experiences and Factors Influencing Their...

The aim of this research was to explore the experiences of nurses returning to work following maternity leave and the factors that influence them to stay or leave their positions.

Descriptive qualitative study.

Twelve in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses working within a health service in South-East Queensland. Data were analysed thematically following the method described by Braun and Clarke. The findings were interpreted through the lens of Conservation of Resources theory.

Three key themes were identified: work-family integration, support systems and organisational factors. Flexibility, supportive and emotionally intelligent managers, and positive workplace culture influenced the return-to-work experience and positively influenced nursing retention. Rigid rostering schedules, policy-practice gap, poor managerial support and poor work-life balance negatively affected the return-to-work experience and intention to leave.

The study findings offer a unique contribution to existing knowledge by detailing the experiences of nurses returning to work after maternity leave. The findings of this study indicate the return-to-work experience is a complex, multifaceted phenomenon with many factors influencing nurses' retention.

This study highlights the importance of supportive and emotionally intelligent managers, effective organisational policy and flexibility in working. Fostering positive organisational cultures that support mothers returning from maternity leave is essential in reducing work-family conflict and ensuring a sustainable nursing workforce for the future.

This research has implications for healthcare managers, organisations and policymakers. The findings emphasise the need for flexibility, improved support and strategies to improve nursing retention following maternity leave.

COREQ checklist was used for reporting in this study.

This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct or reporting.