ENGAGING RETENTION STRATEGIES FOR NURSING PROFESSIONALS AT ZIMBABWE’S CHITUNGWIZA CENTRAL HOSPITAL (CCH): A PERSPECTIVE BY OUTSIDERS

Abstract

It can be argued that nursing professionals are the backbone of any healthcare system. The article grappled with the question of why nurses are resigning from Chitungwiza Central Hospital (CCH) in large numbers to the point of nearly crippling public healthcare service delivery at Harare’s dormitory town situated 30 kilometres from the capital. Using survey methodology and application of SPSS, the study sought to identify both the root causes and possible solutions (retention strategies) for addressing the resignation of nursing professionals at CCH. Better remuneration, a safe work environment, increased internal communication, recognition and fulfilment of professional ambitions are some of the solutions identified through survey research for addressing the problem of resignation of nurses in large numbers.