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

Key Points

• To explore perceptions of nurse bridging education programs and their impact on healthcare workforce retention and recruitment.
• Conducted qualitative interviews with supervisors and staff in healthcare settings.
• Analyzed perceptions of mentorship, academic-practice partnerships, and government roles.
• Highlighted the importance of flexibility in work environments.
• Mentorship and flexibility significantly improve retention rates among nurses.
• Partnerships between academic institutions and practice settings are essential for addressing shortages.
• Investment in wage parity is necessary for attracting and retaining nursing staff.