2134/1223
Crispin Coombs
Crispin
Coombs
John Arnold
John
Arnold
John Loan-Clarke
John
Loan-Clarke
Adrian Wilkinson
Adrian
Wilkinson
Jennifer Park
Jennifer
Park
Diane Preston
Diane
Preston
Perceptions of nursing in the NHS
Loughborough University
2006
untagged
Business and Management not elsewhere classified
2006-04-11 13:30:32
Journal contribution
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/journal_contribution/Perceptions_of_nursing_in_the_NHS/9503918
AIM: To investigate the attractiveness of the NHS as an employer to potential
nursing staff.
METHOD: Individual and group interviews were conducted with school
pupils, mature students on Access courses, nursing students, healthcare
assistants, agency nurses and independent sector nurses.
RESULTS: Eighty-one individuals participated in the qualitative stage of the
study. Analysis of the interview transcripts indicated that nursing as a career
choice is perceived as hard work, involving high pressure and stress. Working
with patients is the source of considerable job satisfaction but is offset by staff
shortages and lack of flexibility over working hours. Increases in pay and
staffing levels, coupled with improved retention strategies are suggested as
tactics to improve recruitment.
CONCLUSIONS: Nursing in the NHS is moderately attractive to potential
recruits and this attraction is predominately based on the interaction with
patients. Improved satisfaction of current NHS staff would help to positively
advertise the NHS as an employer. Improvements in pay, recognition and
more flexible working hours would help encourage staff working outside the
NHS to return.