Uncovering the Driving Forces of Emergency Nurses’ Retention: Findings From a Grounded Theory Study

Abstract

Introduction

Emergency nursing demands high levels of dedication and resilience. This study reports on the "Driving Forces" within a broader theoretical framework of "Achieving Personal and Professional Sustainability in Emergency Nursing," highlighting the importance of understanding what motivates and retains emergency nurses to improve their performance and longevity.

Methods

To explore how emergency nurses sustain themselves personally and professionally, this research used a constructivist grounded theory approach, involving 29 registered nurses from diverse backgrounds in the Indonesian emergency nursing context. Data were collected via in-depth semistructured interviews, which were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed systematically.

Results

The study revealed 3 subcategories under the "Driving Forces" category: "Inherent Inspiration," "Extrinsic Motivations," and "Professional Expectations." These subcategories highlight the significant impact of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, along with professional expectations, on the commitment and sustainability of emergency nurses.

Discussion

This research underscores the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations and professional expectations on emergency nurses' commitment in Indonesia, indicating potential applicability in enhancing nurse dedication and motivation in similar international contexts. Caution is recommended in global generalizations, emphasizing context-specific validations.