Impact of dedicated nursing education days on nurse job satisfaction and retention

Background: The recent pandemic has exacerbated the existing challenges in nursing retention due to heightened stress and burnout. Objective: This study aims to determine whether there is an association between dedicated nursing education days and nurse satisfaction and retention at ESHC. Method: Erie Shores HealthCare nurses (n=44) were consulted through email and gave input on the design and implementation of workshops for nurse consumption. Post-consultation nurses participated in 8-hour-long education days. A voluntary, anonymous survey of 113 nurses participating in various educational days at Erie Shores HealthCare in Leamington, Ontario, Canada, between December 2023 and April 2024 was conducted. Result: Around 73% of participants reported that the education workshops were useful to their practice and competency as nurses in Ontario and 71% expressed that the knowledge gained would be used within their practices. Approximately 73% would recommend education workshops to other hospitals and organizations for ongoing nurse training in Ontario. The survey result underscores the urgent need for action in addressing the effects of implementing and executing multiple dedicated nursing education days. Implication: Outcomes from the study have led to proposed education days on an ongoing basis and developing out to other professions such as physicians and allied health professionals. This learning is crucial in understanding and addressing the broader issue of the national nursing shortage and ongoing problems with work-life balance and should motivate us all to take immediate action.