How to Support the Next Nursing Generation: The Z's

Melissa Mills, BSN

You've finally figured out what makes your millennial co-workers tick. Time for a breather? Not a chance! Right on the coattails of the millennials is the next generation - the Zees.

Generation Z is made up of people born between 1996 and 2010. There are currently over 23 million Zees, and they will be the fastest-growing generation in the workplace over the next five years. Every generation is given a few nicknames - so, besides Generation Z, you may also hear this generation called the iGen, Zeds, Zees, and Centennials.

To make sure you understand this generation, here are a few traits and characteristics:

They don't remember 9/11. Some of them were born, but none of them were old enough to remember it happening.
They are cloud-natives. Their world has been full of "iEverything."
While many of their characteristics are still being defined, what we know so far is that they are self-reliant, self-aware, goal-oriented and appreciate diversity.
They don't remember a time before social media, so they live their lives online. This includes friendships, family, and education.

Now that you know the basics let's explore what you need to know about them as they enter the nursing workforce.

iGen as Learners

They were raised and educated in settings of inclusivity and diversity, which has formed them to be the most diverse and open-minded generation ever. They are changing our nursing classrooms and will likely change the workplace too.

Because they are technologically savvy, they want to use the internet to help them learn. Whether in college-level courses, orientation programs, or certification classes, they expect that the internet will be part of the curriculum. And, you need to know that it is estimated that they only have an attention span of about 8 seconds - so, let them multi-task - they have been doing it their whole life.

Zees as Professionals

They have grown up watching their Baby-Boomer grandparents work well past 65 years of age. Their Generation X parents have gone into debt with school loans that are still being paid off today. Where does this leave Generation Z as professionals?

There isn't much data on the Zee's concerning professionalism as they are just entering the workforce. But, so far, it looks like they are going to be more entrepreneurial, educated, and diverse than any generation before them.

They find honesty as the most important quality for leadership. They desire work-life balance while making money at a stable job. And, they want to have face-time with management.

Because of their comfort level with technology, image what this generation could do with advancements like telehealth and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as they join the nursing workforce. One potential concern is their ability to critically think because of the amount of interruptions and multitasking they have been doing their entire lives. However, this is merely anecdotal due to little research into the actual abilities of this generation.

As we watch the iGen enter the workforce, what can current nurses do to help? According to Priscilla Smith-Trudeau, "Putting diversity to work in the workplace, understanding each generational cohort, and accommodating generational differences so as to capitalize on these differences in attitudes, values, and behaviors must be the common goal of all nurses."

This means we must be ready to embrace, foster growth and mentor these new nurses who will be joining the ranks over the next few years.

Here a few ways to help the Zee's enter the nursing workforce:

STEP 1: Provide Technology

Incorporate internet learning into orientation. Understand that their lives are lived on their phones and other devices. Be sure to educate them on expectations of when and how to use social media and technology appropriately. Incorporate simulation, problem-based learning, games, and case studies into the curriculum to keep this generation engaged.

STEP 2: Show Respect for Diversity

Be sure to include them in groups and committees at work. And, be ready for them to expect these groups to show diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

STEP 3: Foster Retention

With every generation, we want to foster retention as nurses. Much information floats around about bullying in nursing. Let's get it right with this generation by welcoming them with open arms and helping them remain in nursing for many years.

STEP 4: Appreciate their Respect

They respect authority. Show them you appreciate it by fostering strong mentorships with them early on in their careers.

STEP 5: Empower their Practice

You know they are different than any other generation of nurses you have encountered. Their world has been far more technologically-savvy and quite frankly, scarier than what we experienced as children. So, let's empower them to be the best clinicians possible.

Are you a Gen-Z nurse or do you work with a Gen-Z nurse? What can you tell us about them? How do you feel we can support and foster this generation of nurses?