The Complex Issues that Lead to Nurses Leaving the Emergency Department

This chapter explores factors identified as contributing to the decision to leave emergency nursing. Nurses often leave for a promotion, a change of direction or a change of location. There are normally a number of factors that have contributed to this decision including fatigue from shift work, a need for a change of place, the desire to provide a different type of care and a desire for further development. Retention of skilled and experienced nurses is a priority given the nursing workforce shortages. Addressing how to support staff-well-being and decrease occupational stress and burnout is a priority.