Abstract
The objective of the present study was to elucidate the intent to return to work among potential nurses living in Chiba Prefecture. Potential nurses raising children completed an anonymous self-report questionnaire survey regarding the following: feelings toward returning to work, timing at which a return to work would be feasible, wishes regarding return to work, concerns regarding return to work, and requirements for returning to work.
Among the 242 subjects analyzed, 196 were undecided on returning to work. Regarding the timing of returning to work, many subjects reported the time around their youngest child's entrance to elementary school or earlier. As for wishes regarding return to work, common responses were working at a clinic or an outpatient unit, part-time work, and day shifts on weekdays. Many of the concerns and requirements related to returning to work were related to balancing family and work and having been absent from work.
Many of the subjects in the present study intended to return to work, and their specific concerns and requirements related to returning to work were clarified. In addition to enhancement of pre-return training, introduction of more advanced systems for shortened work hours and holidays was thought to constitute work-life balance (WLB) support that promotes return to work among potential nurses raising children.
