Enhancing Nurse Faculty Retention Through Quality Work Environments: A Photovoice Project.

Abstract

The literature is rich with evidence that a nurse's work environment impacts his or her experience of factors related to turnover intent. However, one area of inquiry that has received little attention is the work environment of nursing faculty. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of participants' lived experiences related to work environment quality and it's link with retention; use the knowledge gained to construct a definition of quality work environments from a nursing faculty perspective; and formulate grassroots recommendations that can serve as a stimulant for change within organizations. To achieve these aims, a participatory action research method, photovoice, was employed. Using this framework, nursing faculty were empowered to collect data using photography and construct meaning and recommendations for change.