What is the ONE thing that will attract new/experienced nurses back to staff nursing?

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 15, 2002

All of the above. What is important to me I think is the ratios. Safe ratios make for less stress for all involved, and better outcomes.

Unsafe ratios make for burned out, stressed out nurses.

Pretzlgl · Nov 15, 2002

I agree - ratios would be number 1 for me. (Of course more $$ would be nice too). But having the ability to devote time to a few patients would go a long way towards job satisfaction.

Youda · Nov 15, 2002

I say this quite seriously, while realizing it is an impossible dream . . .

A staff nurse run hospital where admin takes their orders from the nurses, not the other way around.

Gardengal · Nov 15, 2002

Nurses working in an environment recomending it to others because of flexibility, hours, pay and ratios. we need to tell others when we are happy in our jobs. And if we're nothappy in them, then we need to figure out the biggest dissatisfiers in each area and fix them. it is only when nurses try to recruit others into this professin that we will be able to truly see a difference.

Youda · Nov 15, 2002

That probably didn't make much sense what I said above.

What I mean is an employee-owned situation, where nurses make decisions not a corporation. I'm absolutely certain that nurses could provide excellent care and still "balance the checkbook."

RNConnieF · Nov 15, 2002

Having all the tools necessary to do the job. Not having to beg/borrow/steal equipment, linens, and staff from other units. Respect for a nurses training, education, and "intuition" regarding a patient. A nursing and hospital administration that WANTS to keep/hire top rung nurses. I am happy to say that with the exception of having enough equipment I work on a unit that meets my requirements for recommendation.

np2b · Nov 15, 2002

I can't speak for bringing back experienced nurses, but I've thought for a long time that one of nursing's biggest challenges is the simple fact that most people haven't the faintest clue what a nurse does. I really think that nursing needs to undertake a long-term, nationwide, multifaceted PR campaign that conveys the complexity and critical nature of the profession. When society thinks that a nurse is just there to hold hands and change bedpans, they don't appreciate the need for increased staffing ratios, better pay, etc. (Nor do would-be nurses understand the incredible opportunities that the career presents.)

My opinion, of course.

tiger · Nov 15, 2002

i don't know if i could say just one thing. my thoughts are better pay, better ratios, and actually listen and respect what nurses have to say! too many times we are told this is the way admin. wants it so do it, even though it makes our job more difficult and in no way improves anything. someone who has not done floor nursing in years if ever decides this will be a good idea!!?? cut the admin. salaries and give it to the nurses. how about that?! :cool:

baseline · Nov 15, 2002

I think all three.....but from my observations over the years...... it's most likely to be the improved ratios. I have seen nurses leave for better money....and slide back because it wasn't worth it.......I really feel that most nurses want to deliver good patient care...and having 8 or 9 patients doesn't give one a warm and cuddly feeling at the end of the shift.

oramar · Nov 15, 2002

There is a group that will not come back to bedside no matter what. However, work load is the biggest thing that chased them out and keeps them away. Second thing would be change in managment attitude. That might mean removing a lot of managment that was put in place to keep nurses down. Third thing is money.

Sleepyeyes · Nov 15, 2002

i want more money.