Generation Y registered nurses: Career commitment and consequences for retention

Results indicate that while Generation Y New Zealand RNs are proud to be nurses, they do not demonstrate long-term commitment to the profession, and it is imperative that the nursing profession, nursing leaders and employers of nurses collaborate to put measures in place to support these nurses to considering nursing as a long- term career.

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to discuss recent research that explored the career commitment of Generation Y New Zealand registered nurses (RNs). Before the economic recession of 2007-2010, the growing shortage of nurses in New Zealand and other nations presented a serious concern for the health care workforce. While this situation has eased somewhat, the ageing nursing workforce, coupled with an ageing New Zealand population and increasing demands for health care services, make it imperative that issues of retention of young nurses are resolved before the retirement of baby boomer nurses. However there is a dearth of literature regarding the career commitment of Generation Y RNs. An online survey was conducted from August 2009 to January 2010, to collect data from Generation Y RNs about their views on nursing, work and career. Data were received from 358 respondents. Results indicate that while Generation Y New Zealand RNs are proud to be nurses, they do not demonstrate long-term commitment to the profession. It is imperative that the nursing profession, nursing leaders and employers of nurses collaborate to put measures in place to support these nurses to considering nursing as a long-term career.