Essential factors influencing registered nurses to stay in their position at a university hospital medical department: A rapid qualitative research study

Abstract

Retention of nurses in medical departments is complicated due to the high and stressful workload. The aim of this study was therefore to describe registered nurses’ perceptions of essential factors influencing their desire to stay in their position in a university hospital medical department. A rapid qualitative research methodology was followed. Data collection, consisting of qualitative interviews with 22 registered nurses during December 2022 and January 2023, and analysis, was guided by the Rigorous and Accelerated Data Reduction (RADaR) technique. The COREQ guidelines were used for reporting this study. The findings showed how the registered nurses collectively expressed collegial unity, flexible working hours, opportunities for development and training, the patient category and the managers’ importance as the five essential factors important for them to stay in their position. The study recommends that future research on retention has a point of departure in the local context and culture of the hospital wards.