Date of Award
11-4-2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)
First Advisor
Dr. Naghma Rizvi
Second Advisor
Ms. Sumera Danis
Department
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan
Abstract
Background: Migration is a complex global phenomenon that has reshaped cultures and economies. Driven by various financial, political, social, and environmental factors, migration involves individuals or groups moving across geographic and political boundaries. Recently, many healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, have migrated abroad, creating a "brain drain" in their home countries. For Pakistani nurses, this migration is often due to limited job advancement opportunities, challenging working conditions, and low pay. Many nurses face heavy workloads, insufficient compensation, and inadequate support, prompting them to seek better-paying jobs and improved working conditions abroad for financial stability and career growth.
Objective: The study aimed to explore nurse leaders' perceptions of the nursing brain drain, understand their current strategies for addressing the challenges it creates, and gather their recommendations to help reduce future brain drain.
Method: A descriptive exploratory qualitative study method was used, and seven nurse leaders were interviewed to explore nurse leaders’ perceptions regarding the brain drain of nurses.
Results: Three main themes were identified from analysed data. The first theme, Career Prospects, relates to the brain drain of nurses for better career prospects that is deemed important for the growth of employees in their professional lives. The second theme, Quality of care, relates to the assertion made by nurse leaders that hiring trained staff can improve the quality of care and consequently reduce workload. The third theme, Retention Strategies, emphasize formulating institutional policies that enhance the retention rate of qualified and experienced nurses.
Conclusion: The brain drain of nurses in Pakistan is primarily driven by limited career growth, challenging work conditions, and inadequate pay. Nurse leaders recognize that addressing these factors is essential for enhancing patient care and retaining skilled nurses. They emphasize the need for organizational efforts, such as career development programs, improved work conditions, and competitive salaries, to counter this migration trend. By implementing these measures, Pakistan can foster a supportive professional environment that prevents brain drain and strengthens its nursing workforce
First Page
1
Last Page
71
Recommended Citation
Rashid, R.
(2024). The perceptions of nurse leaders regarding the brain drain of nurses at the Aga khan university hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.. , 1-71.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/etd_pk_sonam_mscn/85