Older nurses and midwives in the workplace: A scoping review. Issue 2 (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Denton, Julie; Evans, David; Xu, Qunyan
• Is Part Of: Collegian. Volume 28:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 222
• Page End: 229
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Older -- Nurse -- Midwife -- Ageing health workforce -- Challenges -- Support strategies; Nursing -- Australia -- Periodicals; 610.73099405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.colegn.2020.06.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1322-7696

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Ageing workers are the fastest growing sector of the labour force. Older nurses and midwives encounter many challenges in the workplace and strategies are needed to support them to ensure successful working lives and improved workplace efficiency. Aim: This scoping review aimed to identify challenges older nurses and midwives encounter in the workplace and the organisational support strategies required for them to remain in the workforce. Methods: Utilising a five-step scoping review framework, review questions were developed, a comprehensive search was undertaken, collected data was analysed using content analysis. Thirty-one studies were included in the review. Findings: Challenges specific to older nurses and midwives were identified: physical difficulties, tiredness, fatigue, treatment differences, lack of respect and lack of educational or promotional opportunities. Strategies were suggested by participants to support them at work, such as wellness programs, redeployment, flexible hours, support networks, recognition of knowledge and experience, improved workplace ergonomics, and ongoing education. However, there was very little evidence that organisational support strategies were available in the workplace. Discussion: Challenges for older nurses and midwives within the workplace were clearly addressed within the literature. While support policies have been advocated by older nurses and midwives, the review highlights the lack of evidence about how to best support them to continue to work to capacity. Conclusion: Evidence shows the labour force is ageing and older nurses and midwives face challenges specific to their age, but further research is warranted to better understand which strategies will support them in the workplace.