Title

Predictors of home healthcare nurse retention

Authors

Carol Hall Ellenbecker RN, PhD, College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Frank W. Porell PhD, McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies
Linda Samia PhD, RN, CNL, University of Southern MaineFollow
James J. Byleckie PhD, BH Enterprises
Michael Milburn PhD, University of Massachusetts Boston

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-2008

Publication Title

Journal of Nursing Scholarship

Keywords

nurse retention, retention predictors, home healthcare

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the level of job satisfaction and test a theoretical model of the direct and indirect effects of job satisfaction, and individual nurse and agency characteristics, on intent to stay and retention for home healthcare nurses. Design: A descriptive correlation study of home healthcare nurses in six New England states. Methods: Home healthcare nurse fob satisfaction self-report data was collected with the HHNJS survey questionnaire & Retention Survey Questionnaire. Findings: Based on a structural equation model, job tenure and job satisfaction were the strongest predictors of nurse retention. Conclusions: Understanding the variables associated with home healthcare nurse retention can help agencies retain nurses in a time of severe nurse shortages and increased patient demand. Clinical Relevance: Predicted nursing shortages and increasing demand have made the retention of experienced, qualified nursing staff essential to assure access to high-quality home healthcare services in the future.

Comments

This retention study was funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to develop a model of job retention for home healthcare nurses (R01 HS 13477-03).

Recommended Citation

Ellenbecker, C.H., Porell, F., Samia, L.W., Byleckie, J.J. & Milburn, M. (2008). Predictors of home healthcare nurse retention. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 40, 151-160. DOI:10.1111/j.1547-5069.2008.00220.x