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Factors influencing older nurses’ decision-making around the timing of retirement: an explorative mixed method study

Factors influencing older nurses’ decision-making around the timing of retirement: an explorative mixed method study

Cleaver, Karen ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5303-1036, Markowski, Marianne ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4652-3168 and Wels, Jacques (2021) Factors influencing older nurses’ decision-making around the timing of retirement: an explorative mixed method study. Journal of Nursing Management. ISSN 0966-0429 (Print), 1365-2834 (Online) (doi:10.1111/jonm.13447)

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Abstract

Aim(s):
Understand factors influencing decision making of older nurses around timing of retirement.

Background:
Global nursing shortages require flexible nurse retention strategies.

Method(s):
An explanatory sequential mixed method approach: Nurses across seven health care organisations within one integrated care system responded to an online survey (n=524). Semi-structured interviews and a focus group were conducted (n=19).

Results:
Survey data confirmed age as a key factor influencing nurses’ decision making. Factors associated with retention were flexible working conditions, financial considerations and feeling valued. Factors associated with attrition were poor or deteriorating health, stress, and wish for more time with family and friends. Logit regression confirmed flexible work patterns are the strongest predictors for working beyond retirement. Qualitative data revealed retirement plans are accompanied by personal milestones; the work environment heavily influence these plans.

Conclusion(s):
Reasons for retirement are multifaceted but many factors are within the control of employers. Organisational policies, practices and workplace culture have a bearing on decisions surrounding the timing of retirement.

Implications for Nursing Management:
Retention strategies that allow older nurses to work part-time are key and nurse managers need to proactively engage with older nurses to discuss their retirement plans.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: older nurses, push & pull factors, retirement
Subjects: R Medicine > RT Nursing
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group: Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences
Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development
Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Professional Workforce Development
Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Health Sciences (HEA)
Last Modified: 10 Aug 2022 01:38
URI: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/34273

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