ATTRITION OF NURSES IN CANCER CARE: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Background: Nurse is an indispensable part of health care team. Indian health care system has severe shortage of nursing professionals. Further frequent change of jobs among nurses is not only a serious challenge for the hospital administration but also affects the quality of care to the patients. Methods: The present article aimed to study the issues and challenges experienced by nurses in a private health care. The study followed a cross-sectional design and recruited respondents in two groups, one with more than one year of service length and another group those resigned from the service. A total of 55 respondents participated in the research. Data was collected using a self developed interview schedule. Row scores of quantitative data were converted and categories for understanding job satisfaction and qualitative data was used to describe the issues. Results: The study highlighted few factors contributing to problem of attrition among nurses. These included- less recognition of profession from Indian society, high work load, lack of growth opportunities, decent pay structure, other allowances and attractive job opportunities from other countries. Communication issues with doctors and unfullled expectations were also highlighted. Conclusion: There is urgent need to improve the work atmosphere for nurses. The administration need to lower down their work load, make job enjoyable, give high scope for future study and career progression to the nurses.