Title

Retaining older hospital nurses: Experienced hospital nurses’ perceptions of new roles

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2019

Publication Title

Journal of Nursing Management

Keywords

new roles, older hospital nurse, retention

Abstract

Aim

The purpose of this study was to explore older, experienced hospital clinical nurses’ perceptions of new roles in hospital clinical practice as they age. Background With older hospital nurses continuing to retire, and other older nurses leaving hospitals for other practice settings, both tacit knowledge and institutional wisdom are lost. Retention of experienced nurses is needed for safe, quality patient care and to ensure there are sufficient mentors for newly licensed nurses entering the workforce.

Methods

Using a descriptive qualitative design, a total of twenty experienced hospital clinical nurses aged 50 or older from four hospitals participated in five focus groups.

Results

Noting barriers to continuing hospital practice as they age, participants described important roles in teaching patients and families, acting as patient advocates, and mentoring the next generation of nurses.

Conclusion

Retaining experienced nurses in the workforce requires innovative approaches, including the redesigning of roles and increased attention to work hours and the physical demands of nursing practice.

Implications for Nursing Management

The perspectives provided by older nurses may assist managers in creating innovative ways to re‐envision roles for older nurses, develop flexible scheduling, and provide additional ergonomic and technology support.

Comments

© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd

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