Unifying Vision: Strategies that Influence Nurse Self-Care Practices
In the past several years, there have been a decline in nursing retention
rates. Although multiple reasons for retention rates have been identified, one
recurring reason is that while nurses tend to focus on providing excellent
patient care, often nurses neglect caring for themselves. A fast-paced work
environment, long shifts, and contending with the emotional toll of being in a
healthcare setting can lead to lack of self-care, chronic stress, job
dissatisfaction, and decreased retention rates. An institution's retention rate
can lead to substantial negative consequences as retention rates fall. These
negative consequences are viewed from both perspectives, the non-
economic side, and the economic side. On the non-economic side, adverse
effects include the institution’s ability to provide safe and effective patient
care, over-burdening existing staff, and recruiting quality nurses to fill
vacancies. On the economic side, negative consequences include the cost of
turnover, the loss of human capital, and the potential effects on quality of
care. However, when adequate support and resources are provided, nursing
dissatisfaction and self-care neglect can be prevented thereby improving an
institution’s ability to retain physically and mentally healthy nurses. It is
imperative to recognize dissatisfaction symptoms, develop tools for nurses,
and educate healthcare professionals on the topic so affected
clinicians can utilize self-care strategies.
rates. Although multiple reasons for retention rates have been identified, one
recurring reason is that while nurses tend to focus on providing excellent
patient care, often nurses neglect caring for themselves. A fast-paced work
environment, long shifts, and contending with the emotional toll of being in a
healthcare setting can lead to lack of self-care, chronic stress, job
dissatisfaction, and decreased retention rates. An institution's retention rate
can lead to substantial negative consequences as retention rates fall. These
negative consequences are viewed from both perspectives, the non-
economic side, and the economic side. On the non-economic side, adverse
effects include the institution’s ability to provide safe and effective patient
care, over-burdening existing staff, and recruiting quality nurses to fill
vacancies. On the economic side, negative consequences include the cost of
turnover, the loss of human capital, and the potential effects on quality of
care. However, when adequate support and resources are provided, nursing
dissatisfaction and self-care neglect can be prevented thereby improving an
institution’s ability to retain physically and mentally healthy nurses. It is
imperative to recognize dissatisfaction symptoms, develop tools for nurses,
and educate healthcare professionals on the topic so affected
clinicians can utilize self-care strategies.