Coming and staying: a qualitative exploration of Registered Nurses' experiences working in nursing homes

Aim. This paper reports on a qualitative study that explored the reasons why Registered Nurses (RNs) chose to work in nursing homes in Southern Ontario, Canada and what factors attracted them to remain. Background. There is a paucity of information about factors associated with the recruitment and retention of RNs within long‐term care (LTC) in Canada. As the population of older people is growing in Canada and elsewhere, it is essential that we better understand what attracts RNs to work and remain in this setting. Design and method. A case study approach was used in this study of nine RNs working in three nursing homes. Data were collected through in‐depth interviews. Findings. Six sub‐themes were identified: ‘Job of Choice’, ‘Job of Convenience’, ‘Caring for the Residents’, ‘A Supportive Environment’, ‘Heavy Workload’ and ‘Supervisory Role of the RN’. Conclusion. Nurses chose to work in the nursing home because it was a ‘Job of Convenience’. However, characteristics of the organizational environment played a major role in their remaining. Also, the caring relationship with residents played a role in the nurses remaining in this setting. Relevance to clinical practice. Strategies are provided that nurse managers may consider when planning recruitment and retention activities for LTC settings.