Open AccessFactors affecting recruitment and retention of nurses who deliver clinical research: A qualitative study
Author(s) -
Boulton Mary G.,
Beer Sally
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
nursing open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.55
H-Index - 12
ISSN - 2054-1058
DOI - 10.1002/nop2.167
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , qualitative research , focus group , exploratory research , psychology , qualitative property , nursing , medical education , medicine , sociology , marketing , business , social science , machine learning , anthropology , computer science
Aim To provide a better understanding of the factors affecting recruitment and retention of clinical research nurses. Design Qualitative exploratory design. Methods An on‐line questionnaire comprising open‐ended and fixed‐choice questions was completed by 121 clinical research nurses. Seven focus groups were held with a subgroup of 26 participants. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Participants were attracted to a research nurse post by an interest in research itself, a desire for a change or to achieve personal objectives. The majority expected to continue in a research post for the next 5 years, while others expected to move on to research management, a clinical post or retirement; few had ambitions to become an independent researcher. Factors identified in focus groups as leading to intentions to leave research included desire for further change, concern about loss of clinical skills, rebalancing family/work responsibilities, short‐term contracts, unsupportive employers and limited career progression.