Abstract: This literature review critically examines contributing factors to the current nursing shortage in New Zealand, centering on recruitment and retention of registered nurses. There is a dramatic widening between the supply of registered nurses and the demand for their services. All regions in New Zealand are reporting difficulty in hiring experienced and specialty nurses, and recruiting time is lengthening. This report suggests that the shortage is closely linked to factors in the nursing care environment. As a result of multiple factors during the centralising, cost-containing, acuity-increasing decade of the 1990s, the care environment has driven practising nurses out of acute care settings and discouraged new students from entering the profession. The availability of numerous alternative career opportunities has heightened the effect. Continuing causes to the non-selection of nursing as a profession are the influences of wage compression and limited career progression over the lifetime of the nurse, and insufficient orientation and mentoring of new nurses. Recent changes in the health care system have gone unevaluated and without oversight by nursing regulatory agencies – a situation not in the best interests of patients or nurses. A number of both literature-supported and resourceful approaches, including recommendations towards addressing the nursing shortage are proposed in this review.

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to review evidence about nurse workload, staffing, skill mix, turnover, and organisational characteristics' effect on outcomes; discuss methodological considerations in this research; discuss research initiatives currently under way; review policy initiatives in different countries; and make recommendations where more research is needed. Overall, an understanding of the relationships among nurse staffing and organisational climate to patient safety and health outcomes is beginning to emerge in the literature. Little is known about nursing turnover and more evidence is needed with consistent definitions and control of underlying patient characteristics. Research and policy initiatives in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States are summarised.

Abstract: This article reports on the New Zealand part of an international study, using agreed study design and instruments, to determine the direct and indirect costs of nursing turnover. These costs also include the systemic costs, estimated by determining the impacts of turnover on patient and nurse outcomes. It presents the findings from the pilot study conducted in six countries to test the availability of costs and suitability of the instrument. Reports the results from a survey of directors of nursing in 20 of the 21 district health boards on turnover and workplace practices.

Abstract: The author investigates why nurses in New Zealand stay working in rural areas when their Australian counterparts and medical colleagues are leaving rural areas at alarming rates. She looks at international recruitment and retention issues, and particularly compares rural nursing in Australia with New Zealand. Local research shows that over 50% of rural nursing is in the practice environment. Practice nurses report high job satisfaction, specifically around working with diverse populations, autonomy, and working with GPs, the local community, and local iwi. The only perceived barrier identified in the New Zealand literature to job satisfaction and collaborative team behaviour has been the funding of nursing services in rural areas. This contrasts with many barriers to rural nursing in Australia, and the author suggests New Zealand policy makers may learn from Australia's retention issues.

Abstract: There are a number of factors recognised as significant for nursing staff retention. These include, a lack of organisational care, bullying (commonly referred to as horizontal violence), and high workload acuity. However, there does not appear to be any indication that these factors influence the retention of nurses within the speciality of acute perioperative nursing. A descriptive study using postpositivist methodology and triangulation of methods was designed to answer the question: What are the critical factors that influence staff retention in an acute perioperative environment? Forty-eight perioperative nurses answered a questionnaire in relation to individual needs, provision of nursing care and administration and management. Four nurses subsequently participated in a focus group interview that explored in more depth, the survey data related to the following characteristics: Educational opportunities; Level of workload acuity; Rostering flexibility; Management; Established policies/Quality assurance; Graduate orientation programs and Professional relationships in an acute perioperative setting. Data analysis revealed that > 90% of respondents agreed that these characteristics are important for job satisfaction and influence staff retention in an acute perioperative environment. A sense of belonging appears to be the most important theme that emerged from the qualitative data. Job satisfaction and staff retention are attained when nurses have a sense of belonging in the workplace. To achieve this nurses need to identify barriers, develop their communication and leadership skills and determine the ideal professional practice model. The author suggests that the themes “Finding time” and increased “sick leave”, in relation to workload acuity are new findings that provide a platform for future research.

Abstract: Explores what influences nurses to work in mental health services for older people (MHSOP)and what factors encourage those who did not choose this area of nursing, to continue in MHSOP. Includes nurses' positive and negative perceptions of MHSOP. Collects data via focus group discussions with 30 mental health nurses.

Abstract: Considers whether the Canterbury Dedicated Education Unit model of clinical teaching and learning can support graduate registered nurses in their first year of practice. Uses a descriptive exploratory case-study approach to gather data via three focus groups with a total of eleven participants. Undertakes thematic analysis to identify patterned meaning across the dataset from which two primary themes emerge: support, and recruitment and retention. Identifies five associated sub-themes: peer support, organisational support, liaison nurse support, team support for the graduate registered nurses, and team support for the staff. Reveals the significant contribution made by the Nurse Entry-to-Practice Programme Liaison Nurse as a conflict broker.

Abstract: The author reviews the report 'Fitness for Practice' by the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (UKCC) noting many areas of relevance for New Zealand educators in outlining possible strategies for nursing education. Discussion of some of the recommendations is put in the context of a strategic review of undergraduate nursing education recently commissioned by the Nursing Council of New Zealand. Issues such as recruitment and access to education; retention; clinical assessment and placements; clinical skill acquisition and partnership are valid concerns for educators here also. Internationally, the author suggests, the commonalties in issues of concern lend validity to the concept of the global village and the necessity for a global perspective in health care workforce planning, including educational preparation.