Strengthening the Neonatal Workforce Through World Café Methodology

Abstract

Highlights: Impact: This study contributes valuable insights into addressing potential neonatal nursing shortages. It provides guidance for recruitment efforts, informs policy decisions, and helps prepare for the future neonatal workforce. Reporting Method: Compliance with the SRQR guidelines for reporting qualitative research was maintained. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. What Does this Article Contribute to the Wider Global Clinical Community? This study found that Nursing Associations, Nurse Managers, and Clinical Nurses have a shared responsibility to strengthen advocacy, leadership, professional identity, innovation, and support within neonatal nursing. Recommendations to enhance both workforce satisfaction and patient care: This study highlights the growing need to identify the specific training requirements of neonatal nurses to better understand their transition needs. Notably, mentorship plays a crucial role in their professional development and advancement at all levels. It also serves as a vital countermeasure against burnout and moral distress. Aim: This workshop aimed to facilitate in-depth discussions, promote knowledge sharing, and generate evidence-informed strategies to improve the recruitment and retention of the neonatal nursing workforce in Australia. Research Design: A qualitative participatory study was conducted using the World Café methodology to engage neonatal nurses in collaborative dialogue. Methods: Twenty-seven neonatal nurses (all female, predominantly aged 40–60 years) participated in a structured World Café workshop. An inductive thematic analysis was employed to explore participants’ perspectives on workforce challenges and solutions. Results: Four key themes were identified: (1) Leadership and Advocacy, (2) Professional Identity, (3) Future Vision and Innovation, and (4) Creating a Supportive Culture. These themes reflect the complex, interrelated factors influencing workforce sustainability and highlight the need for targeted, multi-level interventions. Conclusions: Building a resilient neonatal nursing workforce and ensuring the delivery of high-quality care requires a coordinated response from professional nursing organisations, nurse leaders and managers, and individual clinicians. This study provides a replicable model for stakeholder engagement and offers actionable recommendations to inform workforce policy, leadership development, and practice innovation.