Effectively and Efficiently Reengineering the Nursing Work Environment by Applying a Conceptual Framework for Nurse Retention

Abstract

The nursing shortage that is upon us is the result of a confluence of factors, some simple and some complex. Legacy solutions are not working. Recovery from the current situation involves examining and reshaping the nursing work environment. Creative and innovative solutions are being developed and tested. The call for addressing the work environment is surfacing in the literature, yet methods for doing so in an orderly, progressive manner have been elusive. To solve complex problems, structure helps lead to clear thinking. This work presents a conceptual framework for nurse retention derived from concept analysis of initiatives with empirical outcomes for intent to stay, intent to leave, turnover, and retention. It layers in 2 simple theorists and presents an intuitive, understandable model to guide strategic planning and decision making. The Framework has been used for several applications, one of which is a unit-based action planning method that is systematic, cyclic, and uses data relevant to specific unit culture. Improvements occurred in retention and engagement metrics, work effectiveness scores, and cost. Nurse managers extol the process’s simplicity and ease of use, and the role the Framework plays in shaping the way they think about nurse retention.