title: Work attitudes of older RNs.
abstract: Using data collected from 1,906 RNs from Metropolitan Statistical Areas in 29 states, the purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics and work attitudes of older RNs compared to RNs less than age 50 at two time periods, and compare among the older RNs those who are working in nursing, working outside nursing, and not working. Older RNs reported more distributive justice (fairness of rewards), work group cohesion, and supervisory support and less organizational constraint, and quantitative workload than younger RNs. Overall, older RNs were more satisfied, had greater organizational commitment, and had less desire to quit than younger RNs. There were no significant differences between older and younger RNs for autonomy, mentor support, or variety. Strategic efforts by employers and government could be used to retain older workers, attract RNs working in nonnursing settings back into nursing, and recruit retired RNs into the nursing workforce.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, New York University, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Christine T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Kovner
authors.forename: Carol S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Brewer
authors.lastname: Ying Cheng
authors.forename: Maja
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Djukic
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D010558:Personnel Loyalty; D010560:Personnel Selection / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010563:Personnel Turnover; D012179:Retirement / Q000523:psychology; D012201:Reward; D012935:Social Justice; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014937:Work / Q000523:psychology*