Awareness of Rare Qualities of Emergency Nurses Improves Retention and Recruitment

Emergency department (ED) nurses possess attributes that make them successful in the demanding, fast-paced, and often stressful environment, according to a new study.

Researchers at the University of Sydney (Australia) and St. George Hospital (Sydney, Australia) used a standardized personality test instrument, the NEO-PI-3, in a survey that measured personality characteristics, demographics, and their influence on the workforce decisions of ED nurses. In all, data were collected from 72 nurses between July and October 2012. The personality scores of ED nurses were compared against general population norms in each of five personality domains, as well as their 30 associated facets.

The results showed that the ED nurses scored higher than population norms in the domains of extraversion, openness to experience, and agreeableness in twelve facets, including excitement-seeking and competence. The researchers concluded that assessment of personality and knowledge of its influence on specialty selection may assist in improving the retention and recruitment of suitable ED nursing personnel. The study was published on August 8, 2014, in the Australasian Emergency Nursing Journal.

“Emergency nurses must have the capacity to care for the full spectrum of physical, psychological and social health problems within their community,” said lead author Belinda Kennedy, RN, of the University of Sydney School of Nursing. “They must also able to develop a rapport with individuals from all age groups and socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, in time-critical situations and often at a time when these individuals are at their most vulnerable.”

“With ever-increasing demands on emergency services it is necessary to consider how to enhance the recruitment and retention of emergency nurses in public hospitals. Assessment of personality and knowledge of its influence on specialty selection may assist in improving this,” continued Nurse Kennedy. “The retention of emergency nurses not only has potential economic advantages, but also a likely positive impact on patient care and outcomes, as well as improved morale among the nursing workforce.”

Related Links:
University of Sydney
St. George Hospital