Selection and retention of nurses

Abstract

The selection and retention of suitable nurses has occupied the thoughts of many people who have a vested interest in maintaining standards and avoiding loss of resources. By drawing conclusions from inadequate findings inappropriate recommendations may be made. In a study that considers the psychological profiles of nurses, it would appear that it is self-esteem and a 'need to be needed' that is a crucial facet of nurses ability to cope with the job of nursing; a job that encourages the characteristics of individualism, in a working environment involving caring, that epitomises the values of connectedness. This paradox leads to nurses' inability to cope and subsequently leave the profession using one of the many acceptable labels that are widely documented. Acceptance of the underlying causes for this attrition would necessitate better support services for vulnerable nurses allowing them to recognize their own needs, and gain a personal understanding of how their vulnerability might echo that of people in their care.

Stress and stressors in the clinical environment: a comparative study of fourth‐year student nurses and newly qualified general nurses in Ireland

“…These included stress associated with 'unmet learning needs' and stress associated the clinical setting for these valuable members of our health service at a time when attrition in nursing is so prevalent (Muncey, 1998;Evans, 2001;Deary et al, 2003).…”

“…The open-ended question gave participants an opportunity to make comments or suggestions in relation to stress in the clinical environment from their own perspective, focussing within the clinical environment. Student nurses and indeed newly qualified nurses may find themselves in a vulnerable position particularly in new surroundings with new people (Muncey, 1998). As a consequence to finding themselves entering a different organisational culture (Marguis and Huston, 2000), they often are reluctant to tell anyone that they are "not coping" or finding the transition stressful (White, 1996) and are often discouraged to admit that they have experienced stress (Healy and McKay, 2000).…”

Mature women's experiences of preregistration nurse education

“…Stress associated with academic work has been found to be a significant feature of preregistration diploma courses (Lindop 1999), and a perceived unpredictability of academic timetables added to their belief that they were never in control of their work. Muncey (1998) suggested that self‐control is important to mature students with life experience, and that this becomes compromised by diverse demands placed on them.…”

Pre‐registration diploma students: a quantitative study of entry characteristics and course outcomes

“…These early experiences could influence decisions to seek a career within a perceived therapeutic community, but were likely to be a predictive factor in occupational stress. Muncey (1998) argues that if the underlying influence of psychological profiles of nurses on attrition were accepted, then this would necessitate better support services for vulnerable individuals.…”