Strategies for development and retention of nurse within nursing profession

Abstract

Nursing shortage is a problem of health care system worldwide including Thailand. This problem persists because of the increasing of nursing care demand due to the increasing of complex health problems, rapid increasing in chronic illness and ageing population. Even with the increase number of nursing student admission and graduate but it still cannot meet the demand, since many nurses leave their job before the age of retirement. Thus, retention of the nurse in the system is essential. There are many strategies for nurse retention, but one that is important and sustainable is to set the career path for nurses’ advancement and payment system according to the position. Furthermore, providing formal graduate education and residency training post baccalaureate and postmaster to move from nurse generalist to specialist, advance practice nurse, nurse administrator, nurse scholar or researcher must be implemented. At the same time we need to prepare practical nurses to work in skill mixed team to meet the health care needs of people effectively.