Predictors of Home Healthcare Nurse Retention

Purpose: To examine the level of job satisfaction and test a theoretical model of the direct and indirect effects of job satisfaction, and individual nurse and agency characteristics, on intent to stay and retention for home healthcare nurses.

Design: A descriptive correlation study of home healthcare nurses in six New England states.

Methods: Home healthcare nurse job satisfaction self-report data was collected with the HHNJS survey questionnaire & Retention Survey Questionnaire.

Findings: Based on a structural equation model, job tenure and job satisfaction were the strongest predictors of nurse retention.

Conclusions: Understanding the variables associated with home healthcare nurse retention can help agencies retain nurses in a time of severe nurse shortages and increased patient demand.

Clinical Relevance: Predicted nursing shortages and increasing demand have made the retention of experienced, qualified nursing staff essential to assure access to high-quality home healthcare services in the future.