Nunavut Nursing Sustainability

This participatory action research inquiry examined factors contributing to sustainable staffing and long-term success within the Department of Health in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut. Twenty-two full-time and casual nurses working in the five Kitikmeot health centres participated in a survey, interviews, focus groups, and make-it-happen meetings. Guided by Royal Roads University (2020) Research Ethics Policy, this inquiry explored barriers to nursing retention as well as alternative strategies to keep nurses in the community longer. The findings showed that while nurses valued opportunities for skill development within an expanded scope of practice and cultural experiences, struggles with understaffing, challenges with organizational support, and gaps in cultural practice onboarding undermined retention. Recommendations include establishing robust onboarding and orientation programs focusing on cultural practice, enhancing leadership and team collaboration for psychologically safe work environments, and strengthening interdepartmental communication to foster a supportive and sustainable nursing workforce in Nunavut.Keywords: nursing retention, sustainable staffing, participatory action research, Nunavut healthcare, workforce development

Author dc:creator

• MacEachern, Juanita

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Hartley, Lyn

• School of leadership studies

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.25316/IR-20922

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10613/29391