Retaining older hospital nurses: Experienced hospital nurses' perceptions of new roles.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore older, experienced hospital clinical nurses' perceptions of new roles in hospital clinical practice as they age. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.