Workplace practices for retaining older hospital nurses: implications from a study of nurses with eldercare responsibilities.
Attempts to address the nursing shortage must consider the aging nursing supply and the decreased labor participation among nurses at age 55 and older. Efforts to retain older, experienced nurses have been meager, and little attention is paid to the role of eldercare in decisions to leave the profession. This pilot study examines current workplace practices that may contribute to early withdrawal of older nurses from the hospital workforce. Interviews with 28 elder caregiving registered nurses and assistive nursing personnel at a New York hospital were conducted. Respondents reported that successful management of their dual roles rests on identifying units and shifts that suit their needs, erecting clear boundaries between home and work, and their love of nursing. "Caregiver-friendly" practices such as creative, flexible scheduling; access to social workers; financial and legal services; and increased awareness among managers about caregiver strains were recommended.
Rosenfeld
Peri
P
Visiting Nurse Service of New York, NY, USA. pri.rosenfeld@vnsny.org
D000041:Absenteeism; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009518:New York; D009728:Nursing Assistants / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D010560:Personnel Selection / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010563:Personnel Turnover; D010865:Pilot Projects; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017132:Workplace / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*