Perceptions of Nurse Bridging Education Programs as a Strategy for Workforce Recruitment and Retention: An Interpretive Description Study

BACKGROUND: Long-term care and home and community care sectors face severe nursing shortages, intensified by COVID-19. Nurse bridging education (NBE) programs may enhance career mobility, professional development, and workforce stability in these sectors. This study explored perceptions of nurse educators, supervisors, and bridging students of the role of NBE programs in recruitment and retention. METHOD: Interpretive description guided focus groups with educators and supervisors, and individual interviews with students. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. RESULTS: Twenty-five participants (4 educators, 6 supervisors, 15 students) contributed. Two themes emerged: (1) Supporting Bridging Students Through Role Transition, and (2) Optimizing Learning Experiences for Working Students. System-level challenges, including funding allocation, limited placements, and wage disparities, constrained recruitment and retention. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest supervisors can improve retention through mentorship and flexibility, whereas academic-practice partnerships and government investment in placements and wage parity are critical to addressing workforce shortages.