Retaining an Aging Workforce by Giving Voice to Older and Experienced Nurses

The juxtaposition of ageing and nursing: the challenges and enablers of continuing to work in the latter stages of a nursing career

“…The nurses participating in this study clearly identified a range of challenges associated with ageing in the workplace. While many of these were associated with the physical challenges of nursing similar to the findings of other researchers (Gabrielle et al 2008, Letvak 2009, Kirgan & Golembeski 2010, Heiden et al 2013, Stichler 2013, nurses in this study also identified the limitations they perceived ageing was having on their careers. Ageism in employment has not been well explored in the nursing literature although is well documented as an existing phenomenon (Dennis & Thomas 2007, Malinen & Johnston 2013, Williams 2014.…”

“…While many of these were associated with the physical challenges of nursing similar to the findings of other researchers (Gabrielle et al . , Letvak , Kirgan & Golembeski , Heiden et al . , Stichler ), nurses in this study also identified the limitations they perceived ageing was having on their careers.…”

“…Research with older nurses (usually categorised as anyone over 50) identifies fatigue, pain, physical changes associated with menopause, injuries, vision and hearing impairments, slowing down and a loss of strength as particularly prevalent (Gabrielle et al . , Letvak , Kirgan & Golembeski , Stichler ). A statistically significant relationship between age and musculoskeletal disorders has been identified – the older the nurse, the more likely they are to have some type of musculoskeletal disorder (Heiden et al .…”

Ageing in the nursing workforce – a global challenge in an Irish context

“…Such efforts can focus on recognizing the achievements and expertise of older nurses (Cohen ; Letvak ), providing greater autonomy (through more empowered, expanded or flexible roles), limiting the negative impact of shift work and providing more ergonomically amenable workplaces (Duffield et al. ; Kirgan & Golembeski ; Storey et al. ).…”

Healthy work environments for the ageing nursing workforce

“…, Storey et al . , Kirgan & Golembeski ) and how organisations can retain older nurses (Cyr , Bell , Moseley & Paterson , Storey et al . ), there is a paucity of research addressing the physical needs of ageing nurses or how environmental design can facilitate nurses working longer and more safely while providing direct patient care.…”