Retention of Nursing Educators: A Qualitative Study of Personal and Work Environment Aspects

Background: Limited support for nurse educators can hinder their professional development, as they may struggle to apply best practices and innovative teaching strategies. Purpose: This study aimed to identify the personal and work environment aspects that influence nursing faculty members' ability to remain in academia. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study was conducted with 18 faculty members working at 2 public universities in Saudi Arabia. Four focus group sessions were conducted, and a thematic analysis approach was used for the data analysis. Results: The following themes emerged: appreciation and sense of security, individual and personal characteristics, work environment factors, cultural influences and responsibilities, and recommendations for individuals and organizations. Conclusions: Based on these themes, future research should implement appreciation initiatives such as recognition programs, mentorship opportunities, and regular feedback sessions, as well as evaluate their impact on educators' sense of appreciation and recognition.