Perceptions_of_Nursing.pdf (99.87 kB)
Perceptions of nursing in the NHS
journal contribution
posted on 2006-04-11, 13:30 authored by Crispin CoombsCrispin Coombs, John ArnoldJohn Arnold, John Loan-Clarke, Adrian Wilkinson, Jennifer Park, Diane PrestonAIM: 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.
History
School
- Business and Economics
Department
- Business
Pages
73427 bytesCitation
COOMBS et al, 2003. Perceptions of nursing in the NHS. Nursing Standard, 18(5), pp 33-38Publisher
© RCN (BMJ Publishing Group)Publication date
2003Notes
This article has been published in the journal, Nursing Standard [© BMJ]. The definitive version is available at: http://www.nursing-standard.co.uk/.ISSN
0029-6570Language
- en