title: An examination of retention factors among registered practical nurses in north-eastern Ontario, Canada.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Literature from the past two decades has presented an insufficient amount of research conducted on the nursing practice environments of registered practical nurses (RPNs). The objective of this article was to investigate the barriers and facilitators to sustaining the nursing workforce in north-eastern Ontario (NEO), Canada. In particular, retention factors for RPNs were examined.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional research used a self-administered questionnaire. Home addresses of RPNs working in NEO were obtained from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). Following a modified Dillman approach with two mail-outs, survey packages were sent to a random sample of RPNs (N=1337) within the NEO region. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine intent to stay (ITS) in relation to the following factor categories: demographic, and job and career satisfaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Completed questionnaires were received from 506 respondents (37.8% response rate). The likeliness of ITS in the RPNs' current position for the next 5 years among nurses aged 46-56 years were greater than RPNs in the other age groups. Furthermore, the lifestyle of NEO, internal staff development, working in nursing for 14-22.5 years, and working less than 1 hour of overtime per week were factors associated with the intention to stay.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Having an understanding of the work environment may contribute to recruitment and retention strategy development. The results of this study may assist with addressing the nursing shortage in rural and northern areas through improved retention strategies of RPNs.
authors.affiliation: Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, P3E 2C6. bx_nowrouzi@laurentian.ca.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Nowrouzi
authors.affiliation: Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, P3E 2C6. erukholm@gmail.com.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rukholm
authors.affiliation: Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, P3E 2C6. MLariviere@laurentian.ca.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Larivière
authors.affiliation: Nipissing University, 100 College Dr, North Bay, ON P1B 8L7. lorrainec@nipissingu.ca.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.affiliation: Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, P3E 2C6. IKoren@laurentian.ca.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Koren
authors.affiliation: Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, P3E 2C6. ox_mian@laurentian.ca.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Mian
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004651:Employment / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D065102:Licensed Practical Nurses / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015399:Nursing Research; D009864:Ontario; D015279:Organizational Culture; D010558:Personnel Loyalty; D010560:Personnel Selection; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D011365:Professional Practice Location / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019035:Rural Health Services; D012923:Social Class; D012932:Social Facilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce; D016526:Workload / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Epidemiology; Health Service reform; North America; Nursing; Occupational Health; Public Health