Personal fulfilment, sustainable working conditions and flexible employment prospects as resources for nurses’ well-being at work: a qualitative study

Background: Nurse shortages are intensified by retirement and early career exits. Well-being at work is critical for retention, yet research has primarily focused on burdensome factors at work: stress and burnout. Positive aspects of well-being and the role of employment relationships remain underexplored. Aim: To describe nurses’ experiences of resources that promote well-being at work. Methods: A qualitative interview study was conducted in Finland in 2021. Seventeen nurses participated in individual interviews, and data were analysed using content analysis. Results: Resources enhancing well-being at work were grouped into four main categories: Professional fulfilment and growth, Supportive and sustainable working conditions, Organisational resources and culture and Employment flexibility. These categories included 11 subcategories, reflecting factors such as opportunities for career advancement, moderate workload, benefits and flexible employment contracts. Conclusions: Nurses’ well-being at work can be supported at individual, working community and organisational levels. Policies should promote flexible employment relationships, enable professional development and strengthen organisational practices that foster well-being. Legislative frameworks and organisational strategies are essential to improve retention and address workforce sustainability in nursing.