JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

As Canada's population ages, so does its workforce. Early retirement among nurses is on the rise and has become the norm within this workforce. It represents a major concern for maintaining an adequate and qualified workforce. On the one hand, the decision to take an early retirement is due to several factors, including occupational stress. On the other hand, low job satisfaction would exacerbate early retirement intentions, while resilience would be related to the intention to stay at work. Little is known about how to mobilize these factors to promote healthy job retention for nurses as they age.

Objective:

This study has three objectives: (1) explore the experience of aging nursing staff regarding their intention to take early retirement and the influence of occupational stress, resilience, and job satisfaction; (2) explore interventions used to optimize the influence of resilience and job satisfaction and to minimize the influence of occupational stress on early retirement; and (3) generate and validate participatory strategies tailored to the context of aging nursing staff to optimize the influence of resilience and job satisfaction and to minimize the influence of occupational stress on early retirement.

Methods:

A three-phase qualitative research design will be used. In phase 1, we will use an interpretive descriptive design using semi-structured interviews to explore the experience surrounding early retirement intentions and its factors among nurses. In phase 2, we will use a scoping review to explore interventions used to optimize the influence of resilience and job satisfaction and to minimize the influence of occupational stress on early retirement. In Phase 3, we will use the Technique for Research of Information by Animation of a Group of Experts (TRIAGE) method with a group of 8 participants. The TRIAGE method will allow us to generate and validate participatory strategies tailored to the context of aging nurses.

Results:

Initial results are expected in summer 2025. The findings of this study will be shared through multiple platforms to maximize their reach and impact. This will include publishing scientific articles, completing a research dissertation, and presenting at conferences. A concise summary document highlighting key findings will be sent to study participants, who will also have the option to receive links to the online publications derived from the research.

Conclusions:

This protocol presents detailed information about the entire structure of the three-phased research project. Studying early retirement issues among aging nurses is essential. It promotes their health, retention and inclusion, recognizing their contributions to the sector.