Description: About 25% of newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs) leave their first job within two years, but only 2% leave the nursing profession in this same timeframe. Therefore, the researchers sought to discover what new nurses like best about being a nurse, in hopes of gaining information that might help facilities to reduce turnover rates. Data were collected between January and March 2009 from 1,152?NLRNs licensed in 15 US states. Krippendorff’s method was used to analyze survey responses. Five themes emerged: “providing holistic patient care,” “having an autonomous and collaborative practice,” “using diverse knowledge and skills to impact patient outcomes,” “receiving recognition,” and “having a job that is secure and stimulating.” Strategies are discussed that organizations might employ in helping NLRNs to realize what they best like about their work, which might lead to improved retention rates.

Author(s):
Maja Djukic, New York University College of Nursing
Linda H. Pellico, Yale University School of Nursing
Christine T. Kovner, New York University College of Nursing
Carol S. Brewer, University of Buffalo School of Nursing

Primary Contact Person:
Name: Maja Djukic
Email: [email protected]

Complete Citation, if published:
Djukic, M., Pellico, L. D., Kovner, C. T., & Brewer, C. S. (2011). Newly licensed RNs describe  what they like best about being a nurse. Nursing Research and Practice.  doi:10.1155/2011/968191