Factor Affecting Nurses Retention in a Lebanese Medical Center

Abstract

Background: Nurses play a vital role in the world’s work force of health care profession. There is a global trend of nurses migrating from developing to developed countries due to the attractive career opportunities in developed countries such as: higher earnings, better practicing and training programs, and safer working circumstances, which made it more difficult for underdeveloped countries to keep its nurses. The world health organization and the International Council of Nurses, has classified nurses’ migration as a global concern. The situation in Lebanon parallels to what is happening in the world. Objectives: The purpose of this project is to uncover the factors that kept nurses working in a Lebanese medical center despite all odds. Design: A qualitative, descriptive approach was used to direct this project. Methods: Twenty registered nurses currently working at AUBMC shared their perceptions in three focus group discussions. Focus group discussions were held between October 2022 and November 2022, during the working hours at AUBMC. Results: The emerging themes were, the feeling of being respected, the power of family ties, the influence of remuneration, a clear path of career growth , the flexibility ability , the Dream place to be , the Feeling of being valued and craving a just workplace. Conclusion and Recommendations: Input from nursing staff about factors that retained them is critical in guiding assessment as part of improvement project strategy in a Lebanese hospital for nurses ‘retention. By providing financial incentives and a supportive atmosphere for nurses to grow professionally, Lebanon may be able to keep its nursing staff.