Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Nursing - Department of Nursing Services Administration

Shortage of nurses is one of the most crucial issues facing the health care organizations. Adequate nursing staff is essential to achieve safe and quality patient care outcomes. So recruiting and retaining sufficient nursing staff is a necessity. The study aimed at identifying the factors affecting nurses{u2019} attraction and retention at the Egyptian hospitals and suggesting criteria for attraction and retention. A descriptive exploratory and methodological designs were utilized. Five hospitals participated in the study. A convenient sample of the chief nursing executives and vice chief nursing executives (10 nurses); and a cross-sectional sample of supervisors, head nurses, charge nurses, and staff nurses (818 nurses) were recruited from the selected hospitals. Two questionnaires were used 2factors affecting nurses{u2019} attraction and retention of nurses at hospitals3 and 2experts{u2019} opinion regarding the importance and applicability of the suggested criteria3. Results revealed that the highest mean percentage was found in the interdisciplinary relationships followed by the nursing image in the hospital and supportive personnel policies. There was no significant difference in nurses{u2019} perception of factors affecting attraction and retention in relation to the study hospital. The most important factors perceived by the nurses were nurse managers who treat nurses with respect and consideration, collaboration among nurses and the other health care team, hospital adopting high standards of nursing care, and availability of individual & family health insurance. The most important criteria validated by experts included supportive front-line managers, competitive personnel policies, professional development of nurses, and the hospital values. Study concluded that the work environment that characterized by collaborative interdisciplinary relationships, positive nursing image, supportive personnel policies, qualified nursing director, nurses{u2019} autonomy, high quality of care, supportive administration, shared organizational values, supportive front-line managers, and professional development of nurses is essential for enhancing nurses{u2019} attraction and retention at hospitals. Study recommended applying the suggested criteria at Egyptian hospitals and measuring its effect on nurses{u2019} attraction and retention

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