The impact of ageing on the nursing workforce is significant, which is concerning due to long-term shortages of nurses. There is a need for 13 million more nurses will be required over the next decade to deliver the World Health Organization’s aim of Universal Health Coverage. Therefore, retaining nurses in the workplace and preventing their early retirement is essential.
This project will implement qualitative research methods to explore the factors that lead to nurses’ intentions for decisions on early retirement. Data will be collected from the West of Ireland. Semi-structured interviews will help the research team to explore the influence of health status, working conditions, sociodemographics, relationships at work, and organisational support. Nurses working in acute care settings who are aged over 55 will be invited to participate. The anonymity of the participants will be protected at all times.
Upon commencement of my role as the summer research student, I will be involved in/supporting the recruitment of participants, transcription of interviews, and thematic data analysis, as well as other parts of the study as needed, such as reading and reviewing relevant literature. My involvement in this work for eight weeks will help me develop knowledge and experience in qualitative research methodology.
To be able to support qualitative data collection and thematic data analysis, I will complete research integrity and GDPR training provided by the University of Galway.
