Graduating Nursing Student and Practicing Nurse Perceptions on Promoting Recruitment, Work Satisfaction, and Intent to Stay: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background An adequate nursing workforce supply is essential for providing safe, high-quality patient care. Considering the nationwide nursing shortage, it is important for healthcare facilities to focus on recruitment, retention, and work satisfaction of their nursing workforce. Purpose The aim of this study was to explore and identify factors that influence graduating nursing students’ and practicing nurses’ intent to stay in North Dakota (ND) and in their workplaces. The findings from this study can support the development of evidence-informed policies that encourage nurses to stay in state and at workplaces. Methods A qualitative descriptive design with focus groups was used. A total of 228 graduating nursing students from 11 ND nursing programs participated in 29 focus groups. In addition, 48 practicing nurses participated in 9 focus groups located geographically around the state. Conclusion Healthcare facility leaders, nurse educators, and policy makers should collaborate to determine factors that promote nurses’ intent to stay, recruitment, retention, and work satisfaction. In addition, input from nurses and students and evidence-based findings are important for informing policy development. Results Similar factors influenced graduating nursing students’ and practicing nurses’ intent to stay in ND, their intent to stay at their workplaces, and/or their decisions to work at a rural or urban healthcare facility. Four major themes emerged during data analysis: (a) competitive pay and benefits, (b) positive work environment, (c) career goals, and (d) personal goals and reasons.