Nursing Education and Professional Practice A Collaborative Approach to Enhance Retention

Factors that have led to the current shortage of nurses include a decrease in school of nursing enrollments, an aging workforce leading to retirement attrition, and a decrease in the numbers of nurses remaining within the profession. Compounding the workforce shortage problem, nurses are becoming more frustrated with work and their work environment. Negative work environment can lead to turnover, or worse still, nurses leaving the profession entirely. The purpose of this article is to identify how schools of nursing can work together with hospitals to achieve quality educational preparation for graduates, promote positive experiences for the student nurse, and assist hospitals with maintaining a positive nurse-friendly environment for the nursing staff.