Job satisfaction and intent to stay in neonatal nursing in England and Wales: a study protocol

Background: Nursing shortages are an ongoing concern for neonatal units, with many struggling to meet recommended nurse to patient ratios. Workforce data underlines the high proportion of neonatal nurses nearing retirement and a reduced number of nurses joining the profession. In order to recommend strategies to increase recruitment and retention to neonatal nursing, we need to understand the current challenges nurses are facing within the profession. The aim of this study is to investigate current job satisfaction, burnout, and intent to stay in neonatal nursing in England and Wales. Methods: This study has two parts: (1) a systematic review exploring job satisfaction, burnout and intent to stay in neonatal nursing, and any previous interventions undertaken to enhance nurse retention, (2) an online survey of neonatal nurses in England and Wales exploring job satisfaction, burnout and intent to stay in neonatal nursing. We will measure job satisfaction using the McCloskey Mueller Satisfaction Scale (MMSS), burnout using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and the Nurse Retention Index (NRI) will be used to measure intent to stay. All nurses working in neonatal units in England and Wales will be eligible to participate in the nursing survey. Discussion: Retention of neonatal nurses is a significant issue affecting neonatal units across England and Wales, which can impact the delivery of safe patient care. Exploring job satisfaction and intent to stay will enable the understanding of challenges being faced and how best to support neonatal nurses. Identifying localised initiatives for the geographical areas most at risk of nurses leaving would help to improve nurse retention.