LAUSR

AIM To explore which factors are important in experienced nurses' intention to stay in the clinical setting and to learn which factors affect their job satisfaction. BACKGROUND Nursing turnover is a challenge for healthcare quality outcomes and retaining nursing expertise at the bedside is of great importance. Thus we must understand why nurses choose to stay employed in their clinical settings. METHOD(S) Twenty-eight nurses participated in a qualitative interview study. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS The analysis revealed seven themes: being an experienced nurse, the importance of the speciality, management, professional challenges, good colleagues, balancing family and work life and change in organisations. CONCLUSION(S) Many factors affect experienced nurses' job satisfaction and their intention to stay in their jobs and the profession. The factors were not particularly linked to the nurses specialties. Nursing managers play a vital role in influencing these factors. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT This study contributes important knowledge useful for development of policies and strategies for nursing retention, hence contributing to the enhancement of nursing practice. Nursing managers need to consider their roles in retaining experienced nurses as this study underscores the importance of job satisfaction in the nurses' intention to stay.