Strategies to Stay: Role Enrichment Models for Retaining Millennial Nurses

Abstract

Nurse retention strategies are top of mind for nurse leaders as they face an unprecedented staffing crisis. A strategic approach that includes innovative models to enhance nurse satisfaction and nurse retention may include role enrichment strategies such as blended roles, alternative work arrangements, and shared staffing. Effective implementation requires authentic, transformational leadership, as well as structures and processes for replication, sustainability, and improved outcomes. This case study illustrates the potential of this strategy to positively influence key factors contributing to nurse retention, especially for millennial nurses. Nurse leaders in one critical care unit shared their experience with cross-training for blended roles, skill expansion for professional development for unit staff as well as float team members, leadership development opportunities, and shared staffing. Creating a staffing strategy that includes the leadership and infrastructure to support blended or dual roles is one promising element in a nurse leader tool kit for millennial nurse retention.