Interventions that promote retention of experienced registered nurses in health care settings: a systematic review

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this review was to report the effectiveness of strategies for retaining experienced Registered Nurses.

Background: Nursing researchers have noted that the projected nursing shortage, if not rectified, is expected to affect healthcare cost, job satisfaction and quality patient care. Retaining experienced nurses would help to mitigate the shortage, facilitate the transfer of knowledge and provision of quality care to patients.

Evaluation: A systematic review of studies on interventions that promote the retention of experienced Registered Nurses in health care settings.

Key issues: Twelve studies were included in the final analysis. Most studies reported improved retention as a result of the intervention. Team work and individually targeted strategies including mentoring, leadership interest and in-depth orientation increased job satisfaction and produced higher retention results.

Conclusions: Few published studies have examined interventions that promote the retention of experienced Registered Nurses in healthcare. Retention was highest when multiple interventions were used. Further research is needed to inform nurse leaders of ways to retain nurses and to maintain quality care in health care settings.

Implications for nursing management and leadership: Programmes targeting the retention of experienced nurses need to be considered when implementing measures to decrease the nursing shortage and its effects on quality care.

Keywords: experienced nurses; nurses; retention; systematic review; turnover.