REVIEW ARTICLE
A scoping review of the nursing workforce's changing demography: Supporting Baby-Boomer nurses
Ivan Gan JD, PhD,
Corresponding Author
Ivan Gan JD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Arts & Communication, University of Houston-Downtown, Houston, TX, USA
Correspondence
Ivan Gan, Department of Arts & Communication, University of Houston-Downtown, One Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, USA.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorIvan Gan JD, PhD,
Corresponding Author
Ivan Gan JD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Arts & Communication, University of Houston-Downtown, Houston, TX, USA
Correspondence
Ivan Gan, Department of Arts & Communication, University of Houston-Downtown, One Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, USA.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Aims
This scoping review discusses two telecommuting options to advance scholarship regarding Baby-Boomer nurses' delayed retirement and to extend their contribution to bedside nursing.
Background
Peer-reviewed studies published in the 15 years before COVID-19 indicate that Baby-Boomer nurses' retirement will increase the global nursing shortage. However, three international trends have affected Baby-Boomer nurses' decision to delay their retirement.
Evaluation
This review observed the scoping review framework.
Key issues
COVID-19 further disrupts the current understanding of Baby-Boomer nurses' retirement as they recognize COVID-19's impact on health care systems and younger nurses. Technological advancements and the changing needs of health care delivery have made telecommuting a practical possibility.
Conclusion
Baby-Boomer nurses can leverage alternative work arrangements to meet their needs and to contribute to clinical practice through telecommuting. This approach extends Baby-Boomer nurses' careers and creates a resource for bedside nurses.
Implications for Nursing Management
Clinical experience matters at the bedside. Telecommuting maximizes the retention of Baby-Boomer nurses' clinical expertise to benefit patients and to socialize bedside nurses. Baby-Boomer nurses can contribute to patient monitoring as well as patient education and counselling through telehealth. They can also provide asynchronous and synchronous telementoring to bedside nurses.
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