The Process of Readjustment among Previously Inactive Nurses after Returning to Active Practice

Abstract

Although the idea of attracting inactive nurses has recently been brought to national attention as an option to reinforce the nursing workforce, little is known about how to support previously inactive nurses after their return to practice. The aim of this study was to conceptualize the process of previ-ously inactive nurses' experiences, and to discuss appropriate support and strategies for retaining them. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 11 currently working female registered nurses (RNs) who had become inactive after leaving their previous workplace because of marriage or childbearing. After analyzing the data based on a grounded theory approach, seven categories were gen-erated to reflect the process of returning to practice. Previously inactive nurses faced "Discomposure with working after being inactive" caused by confusion with an overwhelming environment and strug-gles between work and personal life. Then, they tried "Making an effort to compensate for issues (both personal and with others) caused by their period of inactivity" in order to deal with their duties at work and improve unsettled feelings. This effort was encouraged when nurses obtained a "Positive state of mind and stimulating endeavors" and "Support from the workplace." When their effort was encour-aged, they experienced "Feelings of an improved situation." This experience led nurses to "Fit comforta-bly into their new situation," including growing accustomed to their current activities. The process outlined in this study specifically described the desired workplace support and helpful suggestions for currently inactive nurses seeking to return to practice.