2024 Volume 28 Issue 1 Pages 204-214
This study aimed to gain insights into the strategies and tactics used for retaining new nurses in small- and medium-sized hospitals in Japan. Accordingly, an interview survey was conducted among eight hospital administrators at five hospitals in the Tokai and Kansai regions, which were implementing initiatives to retain new nurses. The hospitals considered were located in regional cities with fewer than 500 beds. The survey identified two strategies for human resource retention: "creating a socialization space for new nurses within the organization" and "flexibility in adapting the organizational system to accommodate new nurses"; additionally, 15 tactics were observed, which were categorized into "job involvement," "self-efficacy," "on-the-job training," "emotional commitment," "mental health measures," and "mentoring-based approaches." The study found that in small- and medium-sized hospitals, where administrators' beliefs are easily permeated, low barriers between departments can help retain new nurses. Owing to a declining birthrate, recruiting new nurses in small- and medium-sized hospitals in regional cities is expected to become increasingly difficult. Additionally, the retention of new nurses will emerge as a major issue, necessitating the accumulation of reports focused on retention strategies.
