Why work in perioperative nursing? Baby boomers and generation Xers tell all

AORN Journal,  Oct, 2007  by Julia A. Thompson

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Personal characteristics may play a part in determining choice of a nursing specialty. Operating room nurses may be a distinct and homogeneous group based on temperament and personality, and these factors may play a role in a nurse's choice of specialty as well as the nurse's success and satisfaction in that specialty.

The relevance of Leininger's theory and underlying premises can be seen clearly when the cultural dimensions are considered for recruiting and retaining nurses to OR nursing. To attract and retain nurses effectively, perioperative nursing leaders must know what nurses want in the workplace and take steps to actualize workplace development strategies.

LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study had a number of limitations that restrict the generalizability of the findings. I used a convenience sample for the study, and this self-selection could bias the research. (19) Additionally, the sample size was limited to OR nurses practicing in an urban area of the southwestern United States and may not be representative of the entire population of OR nurses. (41)

The study relied on the use of self-reported data with the WES. Survey research has limitations when the researcher relies only on self-reporting, with measurement error always a concern. (19,41) Although the WES has been used in a number of investigations in health care settings, the scale was originally designed for industrial settings, as is reflected by the wording of the items. It therefore does not specifically address the health care context, with the result that certain items may be found ambiguous by health care workers. In addition, I did not calculate a measurement reliability estimate for my use of the WES in this study.

In qualitative research, the researcher is the primary instrument for data collection. (21,27) Thus, data analysis, which is filtered through the researcher's perception and perspectives, may risk subjectivity. In addition, the description of the phenomenon was limited to the respondents' abilities and willingness to verbally articulate personal experiences.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The conclusions of the study have several implications for nursing practice. The theme of exposure to the OR as a factor that influences a career choice of OR nursing suggests that OR nurses should seek ways to increase their visibility to nursing students, other nonperioperative nurses, and the public.

Developing initiatives that speak to life stages similar to all perioperative nurses may serve to fulfill the recruiting and retention purposes better than those trying to speak a generational language. The opportunities in the OR arena that bring nurses to this specialty--high-tech atmosphere, making a difference in people's lives, stimulating learning environment, and working with other health professionals as a team--is also what keeps them in OR nursing regardless of their age. The importance of nurses' original commitment to OR nursing as it relates to the work environment and retention must be considered in developing strategies to retain OR nurses.