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Effective workforce planning: Understanding final‐year nursing and midwifery students’ intentions to migrate after graduation
Author(s) -
Deasy Christine,
O Loughlin Christina,
Markey Kathleen,
O Donnell Claire,
Murphy Tighe Sylvia,
Doody Owen,
Tuohy Dympna,
Hussey Mairead,
O'Brien Brid,
Meskell Pauline
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1111/jonm.13143
Subject(s) - graduation (instrument) , workforce , nursing , obligation , nurse education , economic shortage , medicine , service (business) , obstetrics , medical education , psychology , political science , business , government (linguistics) , linguistics , philosophy , geometry , mathematics , marketing , law
Aims To examine the factors influencing final‐year nursing/midwifery students’ intentions to migrate following graduation. Background With expanding global staff shortages, effective recruitment and retention strategies targeted at new nursing/midwifery graduates are necessary. Understanding factors that influence graduates’ decisions to migrate or remain in the health care organisation that supported their education is essential but under‐researched. Methods A cross‐sectional electronic survey was distributed to graduating nursing/midwifery students across nine higher education institutions in Ireland with a 36% ( N = 407) response rate. Results 85% of Irish ( n = 376) nursing/midwifery graduating students reported an intention to migrate overseas and 70% intend to return within 5 years. Pay, working conditions and career were ranked as influencing intentions to migrate. Multivariable analysis illustrated that educational opportunities and friends predict migration, while family and obligation were protective factors. Conclusion Nursing and midwifery leaders and policymakers must reconsider recruitment and retention strategies and embrace innovative and responsive approaches to address migration intentions and trends. Implications for nursing/midwifery management Strategic leadership is required to develop effective structures that support personal, professional and career opportunities for new graduates. Targeted recruitment innovations to entice graduates back into the health service are recommended.