Different Strategies to Improve Nurses’ Retention and Motivation in Rwanda

The persistent shortage and turnover of nurses remain significant challenges within Rwanda’s healthcare system, particularly in district hospitals. This study explored factors influencing nurses’ retention and motivation, aiming to identify effective strategies for sustaining a stable and committed nursing workforce. A descriptive quantitative design was employed with a sample of 83 nurses from Gisenyi District Hospital. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 21, with findings presented in frequencies and percentages. Results revealed that the majority of respondents emphasized the need to improve physical working conditions (61.4% agreed; 34.9% strongly agreed), human resource management (51.8% agreed; 43.4% strongly agreed), and transparency (60.2% agreed; 66.3% strongly agreed). Furthermore, opportunities for professional advancement (50.6% strongly agreed) and peer support (50.6% strongly agreed) were highlighted as key motivational factors. Participants also called for enhanced living conditions, increased staffing, and salaries aligned with educational qualifications. The study concludes that improving workplace conditions, leadership practices, and professional development opportunities are critical strategies for nurse retention in Rwanda. It recommends that healthcare managers and policymakers implement targeted retention programs to foster motivation and reduce turnover among nurses.