Investigating Factors Influencing Recruitment and Retention of Adult Community Nurses: An Exploratory Qualitative Study Across NHS Trusts in England

Dyson, Judith (2025) Investigating Factors Influencing Recruitment and Retention of Adult Community Nurses: An Exploratory Qualitative Study Across NHS Trusts in England. Primary Health Care Research & Development. ISSN 1463-4236 (In Press)

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Abstract

Background:
The recruitment and retention of community nurses is a growing global challenge, exacerbated by aging populations and increasing demand for primary and home-based care. Across Europe, nurse shortages threaten healthcare sustainability, with high attrition rates linked to workplace pressures, inadequate staffing, and emotional exhaustion. Despite efforts to strengthen retention, many European countries struggle to maintain adequate staffing levels, particularly in community nursing.
Methods:
An exploratory qualitative approach was used with semi-structured interviews. The interview schedule was shaped by the study's aims, a prior integrative literature review, and the 'causal model of turnover for nurses.' Questions explored participants’ experiences of recruitment into community nursing and factors influencing retention. The study focused on registered nurses and service managers within adult community nursing organisations across diverse geographical areas.
Findings:
The study identified eight main themes influencing recruitment and retention: the perfect job, finding true self and fulfilment, alignment with organisational values, prior development and transitional experience, job dissatisfaction, shift in traditional practices, lack of compassionate leadership, and family commitments. Key factors included workplace flexibility, professional identity, job security, and organisational culture. However, challenges such as staffing shortages, lack of career progression, and increased administrative tasks were significant barriers to retention.

Item Type:	Article
Dates:	Date Event 6 September 2025 Accepted
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Community Nursing, Recruitment, Retention, Herzberg Two factor Theory, Attrition
Subjects:	CAH02 - subjects allied to medicine > CAH02-04 - nursing and midwifery > CAH02-04-02 - adult nursing
Divisions:	Nursing and Midwifery > Adult Nursing
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	17 Sep 2025 11:45
Last Modified:	17 Sep 2025 11:45
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16645

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