Long-term care: retention of nurses

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Increasing demand for nurses in long-term care settings due to a growing elderly population with complex health needs.
• Significant nursing shortage exacerbating challenges in providing consistent, high-quality care.
• Long-term care facilities face difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified nursing professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key factors influencing nurse retention in long-term care.
• To explore strategies for enhancing job satisfaction and professional fulfillment for nurses in this sector.
• To inform research priorities for improving the long-term care nursing environment.

Main Methods:

• This study synthesizes existing research on nurse retention in long-term care.
• Analysis of factors including compensation, workload, interprofessional relationships, and professional autonomy.
• Review of literature from clinical and educational settings.

Main Results:

• Nurse retention is significantly impacted by salary and benefits, administrative burdens (paperwork), staffing levels, and availability of supplies.
• Positive relationships with residents, families, and colleagues are crucial for job satisfaction.
• Nurses' sense of autonomy and empowerment in making patient care decisions strongly correlates with retention.

Conclusions:

• Addressing the nursing shortage in long-term care necessitates a multi-faceted approach focusing on improving working conditions.
• Enhancing nurse autonomy, decision-making power, and supportive relationships are vital for retention.
• Prioritizing research and interventions to make long-term care a more attractive and satisfying nursing specialty is essential.