Abstract
Objective: This integrative study aims to explore the key factors that influence the retention of nurses.
Background: High nursing workforce turnover rate is a persistent issue for medical organizations (WHO, 2021). This study is the result of a broader search on the selected topic, which indicated very few resources or research studies being conducted on this topic and the lack of studies that are done in recent years. The aim of nurse retention is to avoid nurse turnover and retain nurses employed by an organization. But judgments about nurse turnover and retention are frequently made without clear and proper knowledge of the risks and revenues involved (Kline, 2018). In the present situation of the nursing shortage, it is crucial for organizations to retain skilled and experienced nurses, to provide quality patient care. Therefore, it is crucial to find out the key factors that impact nursing workforce retention. This integrative literature review aims to explore and analyze the key factors influencing the retention of nurses.
Method: This literature review uses Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) integrative review methodology.
Results: Job satisfaction is the main theme identified in this integrative review that influences the retention of nurses in the workforce. The factors that contribute to the job satisfaction of nurses were workplace environment, leadership behavior, professional development, work-life interference, strong team climate, organizational motivation, and support.
Conclusion: Results suggest that job satisfaction is the most important factor in retaining nurses and all the other factors identified in this literature review were linked to each other in influencing nurses to stay in their profession. These identified factors can help the health care organization and policymakers create strategies to retain nurses at work and hold them to their nursing careers.
Implication for Nursing Management: Understanding the factors that influence the retention of nurses can help health care organizations policymakers in creating and implementing strategies to retain nurses in the workforce.