title: Retaining valued midwives.
abstract: In a Delphi study of 42 experienced midwives at an NHS Trust in south-east England, it was established that leadership issues were at the centre of what encouraged practitioners to continue in post. Central to midwives' interest was the equitable management of off-duty/leave arrangements, opportunities to influence practice and protocol decision-making, feeling stimulated, valued and challenged as a practitioner, receiving professional development support and working with senior midwives who proved effective role models. Beyond reward opportunities associated with Agenda for Change or other initiatives, it is argued that midwifery managers have a key opportunity to influence the employment experience of midwives and enhance retention of staff by actively engaging in the above activities.
authors.affiliation: Frimley Park Hospital Foundation Trust.
authors.forename: Adrienne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Price
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008880:Midwifery / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D012381:Role Playing; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013192:Staff Development; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce