Job rotation in nursing: a study of job rotation among nursing personnel from the literature and via a questionnaire.
OBJECTIVE
To obtain information on job rotation among nursing personnel from the literature and via a questionnaire.


BACKGROUND
A nursing career no longer means a series of steps leading up a hierarchy. It has become more like a process of individual growth, involving improvement of employee expertise and skills. Job rotation in connection with career development in a Finnish hospital is considered essential, and participating in job rotation is one requirement for newly vacant nursing posts.


METHODS
Describing job rotation by means of reference to literature, and studying a survey on attitudes of ophthalmic nurses (n = 84) to job rotation.


RESULTS
There has been little theoretical or empirical research on job rotation. In this study, one in three had participated in job rotation that was most often considered a positive experience. Self-development was rated substantially useful, but fewer were interested in participating in various kinds of developmental activities.


CONCLUSIONS
Employee's motivation is the foundation of successful development activity, e.g. job rotation.
Järvi
Maija
M
Helsinki University Eye Hospital, PO Box 220, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland. maija.jarvi@hus.fi
Uusitalo
Tarja
T
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D002322:Career Mobility; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D005387:Finland; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006757:Hospital Units; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015401:Nursing Administration Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000458:organization & administration; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013192:Staff Development; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce