Research Janne Vanuytrecht

Abstract

Our current healthcare system faces difficulties in meeting the growing need for recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals. By 2030, there is a projected shortage of 18 million healthcare workers, the majority of whom are nurses. In addition to the upcoming wave of retirements, the increasing shortage is aggravated by a significant number of nurses opting to leave the profession. A noteworthy finding is that nurses are particularly vulnerable to drop-out during the early stages of their careers, as they transition from undergraduate nursing students to novice professionals. This transition-to-practice is a precarious moment in the developmental trajectory of nurses. When aiming to impact nurse retention, professional identity development proves to be of fundamental importance. However, studies investigating the concept of professional identity – and its associated concepts – in the context of transition-to-practice are sparse. Moreover, strategies that positively influence early-career retention are lacking. Therefore, the present study delves into professional identity development in nursing students and novice nurses during their transition to practice. Focused on professional identity, self-leadership, resilience, and emotional intelligence, it aims to create a targeted transition-to-practice intervention, essential for improving retention in the nursing profession.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Franck Erik
• Co-promoter: Goossens Eva
• Fellow: Vanuytrecht Janne

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research and Innovation in Care (CRIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Healthcare is under increasing pressure. In this age, the health workforce shortage is rising, where nurses represent the largest professional group. Attracting and retaining healthcare workers is, therefore, of fundamental importance to ensure a viable workforce and deliver excellent quality of patient care. Research demonstrated that, especially during the early career stage, nurses proved particularly vulnerable to drop-out. This transition-to-practice is a precarious moment in the developmental trajectory of professional role identity, self-leadership behavior, and individual professional resilience. However, studies investigating the transition from nursing education to practice and factors related to early career retention are sparse. The present project aims to provide empirical research into the transition-to-practice, thereby focusing on the theoretical concepts of professional role identity, self-leadership, and professional resilience. Research on the factors that influence these important constructs is fundamental to developing a transition-to-practice program contributing to the retention of professional novice nurses.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Franck Erik
• Co-promoter: Goossens Eva
• Fellow: Vanuytrecht Janne

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research and Innovation in Care (CRIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project