Participatory Strategies to Enhance Resilience and Job Satisfaction and Reduce Stress to Mitigate Early Retirement Intentions Among Nurses: Protocol for a Qualitative Study

TL;DR

This study explores how to help older nurses stay in their jobs longer by reducing stress and increasing resilience and job satisfaction.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel participatory approach to develop strategies for retaining older nurses through resilience and job satisfaction.

Findings

The study will explore how occupational stress, resilience, and job satisfaction influence early retirement intentions among older nurses.

A three-phase qualitative design will generate and validate strategies to promote job retention in aging nursing staff.

Findings will be shared through scientific publications, presentations, and a summary document for participants.

Abstract

As Canada’s population ages, so does its workforce. Early retirement among nurses is on the rise and has become the norm within this workforce. It represents a major concern for maintaining an adequate and qualified workforce. On the one hand, the decision to take early retirement can be influenced by various factors, including occupational stress. By contrast, low job satisfaction can exacerbate early retirement intentions, while resilience is positively associated with the intention to remain at work. Little is known about how to mobilize these factors to promote healthy job retention for nurses as they age.

This study aims to (1) explore the experiences of older nursing staff regarding their intention to take early retirement and the influence of occupational stress, resilience, and job satisfaction; (2) explore interventions used to optimize the influence of resilience and job satisfaction and minimize the influence of occupational stress on early retirement; and (3) generate and validate participatory strategies tailored to the context of older nursing staff to optimize the influence of resilience and job satisfaction and minimize the influence of occupational stress on early retirement.

A 3-phase qualitative research design will be used. In phase 1, we will use an interpretive descriptive design using semistructured interviews to explore the experience surrounding early retirement intentions and related factors among nurses. In phase 2, we will use a scoping review to explore interventions used to optimize the influence of resilience and job satisfaction and minimize the influence of occupational stress on early retirement. In phase 3, we will use the technique for research of information by animation of a group of experts method with a group of 8 participants. This method will allow us to generate and validate participatory strategies tailored to the context of older nurses.

Initial results are expected in August 2025. The findings of this study will be shared through multiple platforms to maximize their reach and impact. This will include publishing scientific articles, completing a research dissertation, and presenting at conferences. A concise summary document highlighting key findings will be sent to study participants, who will also have the option to receive links to the online publications derived from the research.

This protocol presents detailed information about the entire structure of the 3-phase research project. Studying early retirement issues among older nurses is essential. It promotes their health, retention, and inclusion, and recognizes their contributions to the sector.

PRR1-10.2196/72089

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