Managing a multigenerational nursing workforce to strengthen staff retention

  • K Elizabeth Mokoka FUNDISA
Keywords: multigenerational nursing workforce, staff retention

Abstract

Four generations currently make up the nursing workforce, ranging from managers to nursing students. These are the “silent generation” or traditionalists, “baby boomers”, “Generation X”, and “Generation Y” or the “millennials”. Each of these generations displays a set of characteristics which can either positively or negatively affect colleagues, the workplace and patients. The success or failure of a manager’s efforts depends upon knowing how generational differences influence each of these areas. Therefore, it is imperative that the nurse manager gains an understanding of generational differences so as to create a workplace of “generational harmony”.

Author Biography

K Elizabeth Mokoka, FUNDISA
RN, PhD, FANSA Programme Manager FUNDISA
Section
Forum for Professional Nurse Leaders