title: LPN perspectives of factors that affect nurse mobility in Canada.
abstract: Although the licensed practical nurse (LPN) workforce represents an ever-growing and valuable human resource, very little is known about reasons for practical nurse mobility. The purpose of this study was to describe LPN perspectives regarding motives for inter-provincial/territorial (P/T) movement in Canada. Participants included 200 LPNs from nine P/T, and data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach. Three primary themes were identified regarding motivators for LPN migration, including (a) scope of practice, (b) education and advancement opportunities and (c) professional respect and recognition. Although current economic forces have a strong influence on nurse mobility, these findings emphasize that there are other equally important factors influencing LPNs to move between jurisdictions. As such, policy makers, administrators and researchers should further explore and address these themes in order to strengthen Canada's nursing workforce.
authors.affiliation: Alexandra Harris, RN, MN, MHSc, PhD Student, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.affiliation: Linda McGillis Hall, RN, PhD, Kathleen Russell Distinguished Professor, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
authors.forename: Linda McGillis
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.affiliation: Sheri Price, RN, PhD, Assistant Professor, Dalhousie University, School of Nursing, Halifax, NS.
authors.forename: Sheri
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Price
authors.affiliation: Michelle Lalonde, RN, MN, Lecturer, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lalonde
authors.affiliation: Gavin Andrews, PhD, Professor, Department of Health, Aging & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.
authors.forename: Gavin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Andrews
authors.affiliation: Sandra MacDonald-Rencz, RN, MEd, Executive Director, Office of Nursing Policy, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: MacDonald-Rencz
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002170:Canada; D002321:Career Choice; D002322:Career Mobility; D003625:Data Collection; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D006801:Humans; D065102:Licensed Practical Nurses / Q000523:psychology* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D009042:Motivation; D011157:Population Dynamics