Exploring nurses' experiences: Abandoning the profession and migrating for improved opportunities

This study explores nurses' experiences in migration for employment and professional abandonment in Barcelona (Spain). Employing a mixed-design approach comprising 1) a qualitative descriptive phenomenological study, followed by 2) a subsequent cross-sectional study, 20 and 225 nurses participa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied nursing research 2024-06, Vol.77, p.151787, Article 151787
Main Authors: Galbany-Estragués, Paola, Giménez-Lajara, Miquel Àngel, Jodar-Solà, Glòria, Casañas, Rocio, Romeu-Labayen, Maria, Gomez-Gamboa, Encarnación, Canet-Vélez, Olga
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Focus Groups
Humans
Intention to leave
Job Satisfaction
Male
Middle Aged
Migration
Nursing
Nursing Staff, Hospital - psychology
Nursing Staff, Hospital - statistics & numerical data
Quit
Retention
Spain
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Summary:This study explores nurses' experiences in migration for employment and professional abandonment in Barcelona (Spain). Employing a mixed-design approach comprising 1) a qualitative descriptive phenomenological study, followed by 2) a subsequent cross-sectional study, 20 and 225 nurses participated in each study, respectively. Qualitative data, gathered through 4 focus group discussions, underwent inductive thematic analysis, following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines, while quantitative data were descriptively analyzed. Three qualitative themes emerged: 1) Migration motives, such as improved job opportunities, permanent contracts, continuous training, and professional recognition; 2) Reasons for leaving or contemplating leaving the profession, including excessive workload, lack of recognition, limited development, and exhaustion; 3) Nurses' needs, encompassing more staffing, improved remuneration, permanent contracts, flexible schedules, greater autonomy, and career growth. The cross-sectional study revealed a 13.5 % professional abandonment rate at some point across all demographics and seniority levels. Migration trends varied by professional experience, with younger nurses seeking better conditions and opportunities elsewhere. Multifactorial causes underlie job migration and professional abandonment, necessitating comprehensive interventions to improve nurses' working and professional conditions.
ISSN:0897-1897
1532-8201
1532-8201
DOI:10.1016/j.apnr.2024.151787